Beer, Wine, and Spirits Laws and Regulations

Course Code: FSC 821

Credits: 3 credits

Photo of generic non-labeled wine, beer, and alcohol bottles and glasses.

This course examines the laws, regulations, and policies that govern alcohol beverages in the United States. The emphasis is on federal laws, specifically regulation by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Among other concepts, this course will cover: industry’s primary regulators, the classification of beverages, the regulation of labeling and advertising, three-tier distribution system, excise taxes, and liability.

The learning objectives of this course are to enable students to:

  • Recognize the overarching themes of alcohol regulation in the United States
  • Understand the nature of the regulatory process as it pertains to alcoholic beverages
  • Identify agencies’ roles in the regulation of alcohol beverages
  • Understand the classification of alcohol beverages
  • Introduce the concepts of labeling and excise taxation as applied to alcohol beverages
  • Explore distribution and sale of alcohol beverages

The course syllabus is subject to change each semester but generally covers the following topics:

  • Intro to Constitutional and statutory authority to regulate BWS 
  • Labeling, advertising and claims
  • Formulation and production  
  • Additives and adulteration  
  • Distribution, licensing, three-tiered system, franchise protection  
  • Inspections and compliance 
  • Enforcement and penalties 
  • Permits and taxation 
  • Import/export
  • State law comparisons 

Schedule:

This course is offered each spring semester.

Details

Registration instructions and tuition rates depend on your enrollment status.

Click here for details if you are interested in taking this course through the MS in Food Regulatory Affairs.

Click here if you wish to enroll for a single course, or wish to work towards a certificate in international or United States food law.

Click here if you wish to take the course for "info only" and not apply them towards a future certificate or degree.

Help

Please contact Mary Gebbia at iflr@msu.edu with questions about our programs or for help with enrollment.

 
 

Instructor