Implementation of Public Law 105-34, Sections 908, 910 and 1415, Related to Hard Cider, Semi-Generic Wine Designations, and Wholesale Liquor Dealers' Signs (97-2523)

This temporary rule implements some of the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The new law made changes in the excise tax on hard cider, clarified the authority to use semi-generic designations on wine labels, and repealed the requirement for wholesale dealers in liquors to post signs. The wine regulations are amended to incorporate the new hard cider tax rate and to recognize the labeling changes relative to the description of hard cider. These regulations are also amended to incorporate the semi-generic wine designations, and the liquor dealers' regulations are amended to eliminate the requirement for posting a sign. Clarifying changes are made to parts 19, 250 and 251. In the Proposed Rules section of this Federal Register, ATF is also issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking inviting comments on this temporary rule for a 60 day period following the publication of this temporary rule.