27 C.F.R. Subpart C—Prohibited Practices
Title 27 - Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms
It is unlawful for an industry member to require, by agreement or otherwise, that any retailer purchase distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages from the industry member to the exclusion, in whole or in part, of products sold or offered for sale by other persons in interstate or foreign commerce. This prohibition includes purchases coerced by industry members, through acts or threats of physical or economic harm, as well as voluntary industry member-retailer purchase agreements. Any contract or agreement, written or unwritten, which has the effect of requiring the retailer to purchase distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages from the industry member beyond a single sales transaction is prohibited. Examples of such contracts are: (a) An advertising contract between an industry member and a retailer with the express or implied requirement of the purchase of the advertiser's products; or (b) A sales contract awarded on a competitive bid basis which has the effect of prohibiting the retailer from purchasing from other industry members by: (1) Requiring that for the period of the agreement, the retailer purchase a product or line of products exclusively from the industry member; or (2) Requiring that the retailer purchase a specific or minimum quantity during the period of the agreement. Industry member requirements, by agreement or otherwise, with non-retailers which result in a retailer being required to purchase the industry member's products are within the exclusive outlet provisions. These industry member requirements are covered whether the agreement or other arrangement originates with the industry member or the third party. For example, a supplier enters into a contractual agreement or other arrangement with a third party. This agreement or arrangement contains an industry member requirement as described above. The third party, a ballclub, or municipal or private corporation, not acting as a retailer, leases the concession rights and is able to control the purchasing decisions of the retailer. The third party, as a result of the requirement, by agreement or otherwise, with the industry member, requires the retailer to purchase the industry member's products to the exclusion, in whole or in part, of products sold or offered for sale by other persons in interstate or foreign commerce. The business arrangements entered into by the industry member and the third party may consist of such things as sponsoring radio or television broadcasting, paying for advertising, or providing other services or things of value. [T.D. ATF–364, 60 FR 20425, Apr. 26, 1995]
Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
PART 8—EXCLUSIVE OUTLETS
Subpart C—Prohibited Practices
§ 8.21 General.
§ 8.22 Contracts to purchase distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages.
§ 8.23 Third party arrangements.
