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ABV on bottle labels?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by polloenfuego, Oct 3, 2019.

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  1. polloenfuego

    polloenfuego Pooh-Bah (2,310) Jan 26, 2013 Canada (NB)
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I thought that by law all bottles of beer were to have their ABV listed on the bottle.

    I recently purchased three beers...DFH WWS, 120 Minute, and BBA Framinghammer.

    I have scoured the bottles for some sign of an ABV indicator and nada.

    Am I mistaken about this rule? I know in Canada it is the law, but is it in the USA?

    Perhaps @jesskidden can help?
     
    #1 polloenfuego, Oct 3, 2019
  2. jesskidden

    jesskidden Pooh-Bah (2,969) Aug 10, 2005 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    In the US it is optional at the Federal level unless mandated by the state.

    Previous to the 1990s (and after a Coors lawsuit that went to the Supreme Court), it was prohibited unless the state required it.

    §7.26 Alcoholic content [suspended as of April 19, 1993; see §7.71].
    (a) The alcoholic content and the percentage and quantity of the original extract shall not be stated unless required by State law.

    §7.71 Alcoholic content.
    (a) General. Alcoholic content and the percentage and quantity of the original gravity or extract     may be stated on a label unless prohibited by State law.
     
    #2 jesskidden, Oct 3, 2019
    drtth, GuyFawkes, DonicBoom and 6 others like this.
  3. polloenfuego

    polloenfuego Pooh-Bah (2,310) Jan 26, 2013 Canada (NB)
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Thanks! That quenches my curiosity.

    I guess this can be locked down now.
     
    #3 polloenfuego, Oct 3, 2019
  4. HouseofWortship

    HouseofWortship Pooh-Bah (2,557) May 3, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    You're slacking! You didn't list which states require it.:wink:
     
    #4 HouseofWortship, Oct 3, 2019
    SFACRKnight and GuyFawkes like this.
  5. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,159) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I'm surprised that Canada doesn't require abv on the label for imports since it is a law up there.
     
    #5 PapaGoose03, Oct 3, 2019
  6. polloenfuego

    polloenfuego Pooh-Bah (2,310) Jan 26, 2013 Canada (NB)
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    It does require them, in fact in Ontario the type of beer and other information must be bilingual as well.

    I was just in NY and purchased the aforementioned beers there.
     
    #6 polloenfuego, Oct 3, 2019
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