The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is the result of the division of the functions of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Tax collections functions of the ATF are now under the Department of the Treasury and law enforcement functions of the ATF are under the Department of Justice.
Do you think the price of gas is too high? Do you want to distill your own ethanol to add to your gasoline? Better not try it, you might be committing a federal crime. According to the TTB:
In recent days, we have seen several news items on people distilling ethanol at home to supplement their gasoline needs. Unfortunately, some of the reports do not inform the public that it is illegal to distill alcohol without first obtaining a Federal permit through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Failure to obtain a Federal permit prior to engaging in this activity is a criminal offence under the Internal Revenue Code.
Federal law provides for the issuance of Alcohol Fuel Plant (AFP) permits for persons who intend to produce, process, store, use or distribute distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Persons wishing to distill ethanol for fuel use should contact TTB's National Revenue Center at 513-684-3334 in order to apply for a permit. There may also be additional permitting requirements and other restrictions on the State and local level.
If the Republicans ever make good on their promises to cut back the government (I am not holding my breath), they can start by abolishing the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
