When they got the pipe out, we knew they were serious.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is conducting a joint operation with Special Agents from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), Miami District Office, targeting alleged “pay-to-play” schemes in the greater Miami area. This is the largest trade practice enforcement operation that TTB has initiated to date.
“TTB takes its responsibility to actively enforce a level playing field very seriously and appreciates this opportunity to work together with our law enforcement partners in Florida to ensure that existing industry members and smaller businesses just entering the marketplace can compete based on customer service and consumer preference rather than on their ability to buy shelf space,” noted the TTB in its statement on the investigation.
“Pay to play,” also known as “slotting fees,” is an unlawful trade practice that hurts law-abiding industry members and limits consumer choice.
