Sovos’ Brewers Guide to Compliance Assists Distribution to New Markets

This is a sponsored post from ShipCompliant by Sovos

For an emerging brewery, pulling the trigger on expanding distribution to new markets can be a daunting decision. It’s never as simple as just ramping up production, developing a marketing plan, identifying viable distributors and getting boots on the ground, Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome is navigating the complexities of the regulatory landscape associated with how beer can and cannot be sold in each different state. Bizarrely enough, each state has its own set of laws governing the distribution of alcohol.

Luckily, our friends at ShipCompliant by Sovos have provided a handy Brewer’s Guide to Compliance to help break down the following aspects:

- - Beer definitions
  - Self-distribution rules
  - Direct shipping rules
  - Licenses requirements
  - Registration requirements
  - Distribution process rules
  - Filing requirements

This Brewer’s Guide to Compliance can help provide a quick snapshot of the unique quirks associated with distribution when entering different states, but keep in mind the following as well.

The rules they’ve compiled here only reflect regulations that a state would impose on a beer supplier located in a different state, looking to enter a new market. They do not include rules on setting up a production plant, or for federal or home-state compliance.
This is not a definitive or complete guide. It should be used only as a starting place, to help lead you in the right direction as you expand your distribution. But not to be taken as the final word on any regulatory issue.