In order to manufacture, wholesale or ship a specific alcoholic beverage within the State of Connecticut, a person or business entity must first obtain a Liquor Brand Registration for that particular product from the Liquor Control Division. The Division falls under the Department of Consumer Protection and handles all matters related to applications and registrations of businesses involved with the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcohol. Candidates must supply certain information to the Division in order to have their Liquor Brand Registration Application approved and legally engage in the alcohol industry. A separate set of regulations governs the licensing for individuals and business, depending on their role in the trade.

Obtaining a Liquor Registration

It is illegal in Connecticut to manufacture, wholesale, ship, transport or deliver within the state any alcoholic liquor for eventual sale to consumers unless certain information is provided to the Division.

Application

The information which must be submitted on a Liquor Brand Label Registration Application includes:

• The name of the brand or trade name, along with any other distinctive trade dress or labeling through which the liquor is bought and sold;
• The name and contact information of the manufacturer; and,
• The name and contact information for each wholesaler who is authorized by the manufacturer to sell the liquors.
• The Application must also include the Federal label for the brand requested, which is indicated by the UNIMERC Brand Code, a six digit number supplied by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Additional materials to be provided to the Division

Other materials that must be submitted with the Application include:

• An actual label covering each brand requesting registration;
• A photograph of the label if detaching such is impossible; and,
• An Appointment of Distributors for each brand, along with the exact geographic area that the brand will be distribute in.

Note: The Division does not require different wine vintages to be registered, only different brands.

Fees and renewal

The Application must also be accompanied by the proper processing fee on a per brand basis.

• $200 for Registrants located within Connecticut;
• $200 for Registrants located out of state; and,
• $15 for Manufacturers located within Connecticut.

All Liquor Brand Label Registrations expire three years from the date of issuance.

Additional Licensing Required

The Liquor Brand Registration only covers the actual product being manufactured, wholesaled or distributed by different individuals or businesses. Those still must still apply for and obtain a separate license in order to do business in the alcohol industry. The following permits are available:

• Off-Site Farm Winery Sales & Tasting
• Manufacturer for Brew Pub
• Sale of Wine with Gift Basket
• Farmer’s Market Wine
• On-Premises Liquor
• Package Store
• Grocery Beer
• Wholesaler Liquor/Beer
• Manufacturer Liquor/Beer
• Caterer Off/On Premises
• Wine Festival Liquor
• Transporter
• Wholesale Salesman