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TTB Now Applying the HDA Court Victory to DSP Applications
Jul
TTB Confirms It Is Implementing the HDA Fifth Circuit Victory
For years, the Hobby Distillers Association has worked toward one goal: removing unnecessary barriers that prevent responsible hobby distillers from pursuing their craft legally.
Today we can point to another real-world result of that effort.
We have now received copies of correspondence from members that they received from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) showing that the agency is actively implementing the Fifth Circuit’s decision in the HDA case.
Applicants whose proposed distilled spirits plants would ordinarily be prohibited because of their location are now being asked to confirm whether they are members of the Hobby Distillers Association so that the TTB can determine whether the court’s ruling applies to their application.
Once approved, applicants receive a Notice of Litigation explaining that their permit was approved because of the Fifth Circuit’s decision in the HDA case. The notice also explains that the federal government is continuing to seek further review and that permit holders will be contacted if the legal landscape changes in the future.
This is significant.
It demonstrates that the federal government is not simply acknowledging the court’s decision—it is modifying its permitting process to comply with it.
Every permit issued under these procedures represents another practical application of the precedent established through the HDA lawsuit.
<p”>While the legal process is not yet complete, this is another important milestone in our ongoing effort to modernize federal distilling laws and bring hobby distillers closer to parity with home brewers and home winemakers.
We want to thank every HDA member who has supported this effort. None of this would have been possible without you.
If you’re not already a member, now is an excellent time to join us. Membership is free, and every new member strengthens our voice as we continue working toward the full legalization of hobby distilling.
Together, we’re making history—one step at a time.
Excellent work HDA and members! Thanks for the update. So once distilling is legalized in the state of Texas, does one keep their DSP or does it naturally become void if you meet the Hobby Distillers criteria, or is there uncertainty?
If hobby distilling becomes legal in Texas then you would not require a permit at the state level, but with the federal law you would still require a DSP permit from the TTB.