Initiative Measure No. 1183 is passing by a 20% margin according to Washington Secretary of State’s 2011 General Election Results website. The same source indicates that, as of this morning, a majority of voters in only four of Washington State’s counties in the state were not definitively in favor of the measure.
IRS Publishes New Audit Technique Guide for Wineries and Vineyards
The IRS recently issued a new Audit Technique Guide (“ATG”, available here) applicable to winery and vineyard operations. As with previous IRS guidance, the new ATG is meant to be used by IRS examiners; however the IRS anticipates the industry will rely upon the publication as a guide. It should be noted, the ATG should
California State Water Board Moves on Frost Protection Program
The State Water Resources Control Board (“Board”) held a workshop last week on a proposed regulation designed to assess and mitigate water use from the Russian River by growers in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties during frost season. Though no formal action took place, the Board received numerous comments on the proposed regulation.
The regulation would
Changes to Utah’s Liquor Laws
The 2011 legislative session wrapped up last night with several changes being made to Utah’s liquor laws, including:
- Converting 40 tavern only licenses into 15 full restaurant licenses and 25 limited restaurant licenses (beer and wine only)
- Allowing a hotel guest to order one drink at a time through room service
- Permitting alcohol to be
TOM CRONE NAMED ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR FIELD OPERATIONS
This was announced last week. Bernie Kipp has known Tom Crone for over 30 years. He hired Bernie for Regulations and later as District Director. He’s a good guy with a practical approach. He would be the final decision maker in any action against field permitee.
TOM CRONE NAMED ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR FIELD OPERATIONS
TTB Administrator
Conjunctive Labeling Comes to Sonoma County
With the turn of the calendar and after nearly a year of political wrangling, conjunctive labeling will be the norm for Sonoma County wineries beginning in 2014. Passed by unanimous vote in both the state assembly and senate in August and signed by Governor Schwartzenegger at the end of September, AB 1798 will require
OPB Think Outloud
What a great way to spend a Wednesday morning. I joined Portland’s thought leaders on all-thing-alcohol this morning at St. Jack restaurant, where we broadcasted live on OPB. A lively 
discussion of Oregon’s alcohol industry was lead by On Air Host Emily Harris. Reasons behind Oregon’s alcohol industry boom, the State’s history with alcohol