ABC Boards — United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico

Following national Prohibition, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution provides states with broad powers and authority to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol within their borders. (This is in addition to Federal requirements.) Each state created its own unique system of alcohol beverage control. There are two general classifications. “Control” states, 18 in number, are the sole wholesalers of distilled spirits, as well as the retailers in various ways in some of these States. “License” states, of which there are 32, do not participate in the sale of alcohol beverages and regulate through the issuance of licenses to industry members that do business within their states. (Control states also license those activities outside of the state’s direct involvement in the sale of alcohol beverages.)
In addition to meeting Federal regulations, individuals and businesses must meet each state’s individual laws and regulations. These state laws and regulations, which vary widely from state to state, may be more restrictive than Federal regulations and must be met in addition to Federal requirements unless the Federal law pre-empts the State law wherein they desire to do business. For example regarding pre-emption, the Government Warning label on alcohol beverages pre-empts the states from imposing a similar requirement. (See 27 U.S.C. section 216.) Likewise, the state may not authorize a bottle size for distilled spirits that is not also authorized at the Federal level.

GPO can handle your printing needs from start to finish. Through various forms of printing procurement and our own plant operations, we are able to get agencies the best quality for the best price on any print request all while saving them time on self production.

If you are starting a project and want tips on how to prepare your files to run smoothly on the press, contact the Electronic Publishing Support Section (ePUB). They are able to walk you through the basics of electronic prepress. The ePUB team can even pre-flight your job before sending it to the press so any last minute problems can be avoided.