Here we go again. As we near the end of the federal government’s fiscal year, there is a very strong likelihood that Congress will not meet the September 30th deadline to pass a budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Although it is possible that Congress will pass a continuing resolution to provide funding for an interim period of time until an annual budget is passed, it is also very possible that they will not – which would lead to a government shutdown, essentially disabling the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Brewers may want to prepare.
Think of any services or needs that you may have which involve the TTB, and if possible, it may be prudent to act now begore the possibility of a shutdown occurs on September 30th. The most common use of the TTB by brewers and others in the alcohol beverage manufacturing sector is submitting a request for label approval. Manufacturers can submit now any approval requests that you may have otherwise submitted in September. Likewise with any license applications.
Also, remember that if you pay federal excise taxes or a brewer’s report of operations during the month of September, if there is a shutdown you are still required to submit and pay.
If there is a federal government shutdown, it will impact the operations of state regulatory agencies.
The Brewers Association will update their members of any developments that may impact brewers at the government affairs page.