TTB Proposes Changes to Malt Beverage Labeling, Wine Container Standards

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposed some changes to the labeling requirements and container standards for malt beverages and distilled spirits. The agency said in a notice that it plans to "eliminate all but minimum and maximum standards of fill for distilled spirits containers and thus eliminate unnecessary regulatory requirements and provide consumers broader purchasing options." The proposal would also provide that distilled spirits and malt beverages may be labeled with a U.S. standard of measure in addition to the "mandatory metric measure." While such labeling is already allowed, "it is not explicitly stated in current regulations," the agency said. The agency also proposed to eliminate all but a minimum standard of fill for wine containers. Comments on the proposals are due Aug. 30.