You’ve heard it over and over, probably one hundred times in the last week alone. “Wash your hands” is the repeated message conveyed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a means to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hand sanitizer has become a critical commodity in helping to prevent the spread of this novel virus. As stores across the country scramble to restock their shelves with hand sanitizer, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has given distilleries a rare opportunity to help keep up with the demand during these unprecedented times.

In a special addition newsletter released on Wednesday, March 18, the TTB announced distilled spirits plants were given permission to produce and distribute ethanol-based hand sanitizers. While the sanitizers must meet requirements set out by the WHO, the distilled spirits plants would be allowed to begin production without having to obtain prior authorization to begin production. These measures are generally authorized under authorities that apply in disaster situations, and as a result, are initially approved through June 30, 2020. Hand sanitizers made from denatured alcohol are exempt from excise taxes as well.

Read the full newsletter from the TTB here.

For more information contact one of Blue & Co.’s Beverage Service industry experts.

Please continue to monitor our Coronavirus Resources and Information Page and COVID-19 Relief & Operations FAQs for updates.