PART IV—PENALTY, SEIZURE, AND FORFEITURE PROVISIONS COMMON TO LIQUORS

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior part IV consisted of sections 5681 to 5690 of this title, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1313.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1905(b)(2)(E)(ii), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1822, struck out item 5689 "Penalty and forfeiture for tampering with a stamp machine".

§5681. Penalty relating to signs

(a) Failure to post required sign

Every person engaged in distilled spirits operations who fails to post the sign required by section 5180(a) shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(b) Posting or displaying false sign

Every person, other than a distiller, warehouseman, or processor of distilled spirits who has received notice of registration of his plant under the provisions of section 5171(c), or other than a wholesale dealer in liquors who meets the requirements of section 5121(a) and section 5124 (or who is exempt from such requirements by reason of section 5121(b)), who puts up or keeps up any sign indicating that he may lawfully carry on the business of a distiller, warehouseman, or processor of distilled spirits, or wholesale dealer in liquors, as the case may be, shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(c) Premises where no sign is placed or kept

Every person who works in any distilled spirits plant on which no sign required by section 5180(a) is placed or kept, and every person who knowingly receives at, or carries or conveys any distilled spirits to or from any such distilled spirits plant or who knowingly carries or delivers any grain, molasses, or other raw material to any distilled spirits plant on which such a sign is not placed and kept, shall forfeit all vehicles, aircraft, or vessels used in carrying or conveying such property and shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(d) Presumption

Whenever on trial for violation of subsection (c) by working in a distilled spirits plant on which no sign required by section 5180(a) is placed or kept, the defendant is shown to have been present at such premises, such presence of the defendant shall be deemed sufficient evidence to authorize conviction, unless the defendant explains such presence to the satisfaction of the jury (or of the court when tried without jury).

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1410; amended Pub. L. 96–39, title VIII, §807(a)(58), July 26, 1979, 93 Stat. 289; Pub. L. 105–34, title XIV, §1415(b)(1), (2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1047; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, §108(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1171.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5681, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 698, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "who meets the requirements of section 5121(a) and section 5124 (or who is exempt from such requirements by reason of section 5121(b))" for "who has paid the special tax (or who is exempt from payment of such special tax by reason of the provisions of section 5113(a))".

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–34, §1415(b)(1), struck out ", and every wholesale dealer in liquors," after "spirits operations" and "section 5115(a) or" after "sign required by".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–34, §1415(b)(2), substituted "on which no sign required by" for "or wholesale liquor establishment, on which no sign required by section 5115(a) or" and substituted "or who" for "or wholesale liquor establishment, or who".

1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–39, §807(a)(58)(A), substituted "distilled spirits operations" for "distilling, warehousing of distilled spirits, rectifying, or bottling of distilled spirits".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–39, §807(a)(58)(B), substituted "other than a distiller, warehouseman, or processor of distilled spirits" for "other than a distiller, warehouseman of distilled spirits, rectifier, or bottler of distilled spirits", "section 5171(c)" for "section 5171(a)", and "business of a distiller, warehouseman, or processor of distilled spirits" for "business of a distiller, bonded warehouseman, rectifier, bottler of distilled spirits".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–39, §807(a)(58)(C), substituted "in any distilled spirits plant" for "in any distillery, or in any rectifying, distilled spirits bottling", "such distilled spirits plant" for "such distillery, or to or from any such rectifying, distilled spirits bottling", and "to any distilled spirits plant" for "to any distillery".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–39, §807(a)(58)(D), substituted "distilled spirits plant" for "distillery or rectifying establishment".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, §108(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1171, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 11125 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users [Pub. L. 109–59]."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title XIV, §1415(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1047, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and repealing section 5115 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997]."

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–39 effective Jan. 1, 1980, see section 810 of Pub. L. 96–39, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1959, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.

§5682. Penalty for breaking locks or gaining access

Every person, who destroys, breaks, injures, or tampers with any lock or seal which may be placed on any room, building, tank, vessel, or apparatus, by any authorized internal revenue officer or any approved lock or seal placed thereon by a distilled spirits plant proprietor, or who opens said lock, seal, room, building, tank, vessel, or apparatus, or in any manner gains access to the contents therein, in the absence of the proper officer, or otherwise than as authorized by law, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1410; amended Pub. L. 96–39, title VIII, §807(a)(59), July 26, 1979, 93 Stat. 290.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5682, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 698, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

1979—Pub. L. 96–39 expanded penalty provisions to include persons tampering with locks or seals affixed by distilled spirits plant proprietors.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–39 effective Jan. 1, 1980, see section 810 of Pub. L. 96–39, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.

§5683. Penalty and forfeiture for removal of liquors under improper brands

Whenever any person ships, transports, or removes any distilled spirits, wines, or beer, under any other than the proper name or brand known to the trade as designating the kind and quality of the contents of the casks or packages containing the same, or causes such act to be done, he shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, and shall forfeit such distilled spirits, wines, or beer, and casks or packages.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1410.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5683, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 699, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

§5684. Penalties relating to the payment and collection of liquor taxes

(a) Failure to pay tax

Whoever fails to pay any tax imposed by part I of subchapter A at the time prescribed shall, in addition to any other penalty provided in this title, be liable to a penalty of 5 percent of the tax due but unpaid.

(b) Applicability of section 6665

The penalties imposed by subsection (a) shall be assessed, collected, and paid in the same manner as taxes, as provided in section 6665(a).

(c) Cross references

(1) For provisions relating to interest in the case of taxes not paid when due, see section 6601.

(2) For penalty for failure to file tax return or pay tax, see section 6651.

(3) For additional penalties for failure to pay tax, see section 6653.

(4) For penalty for failure to make deposits or for overstatement of deposits, see section 6656.

(5) For penalty for attempt to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title, see section 7201.

(6) For penalty for willful failure to file return, supply information, or pay tax, see section 7203.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1410; amended Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, §943(c)(4), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 728; Pub. L. 97–34, title VII, §§722(a)(3), 724(b)(4), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 342, 345; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, §§714(h)(1), 722(a)(5), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 962, 973; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7721(c)(3), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2399.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5684, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 699, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859. See section 5687 of this title and criminal and civil penalties of subtitle F of this title.

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "6665" for "6662" in heading and "6665(a)" for "6662(a)" in text.

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–369, §714(h)(1), substituted in heading "6662" for "6660" and in text "6662(a)" for "6660(a)".

Pub. L. 98–369, §722(a)(5), substituted "subsection (a)" for "subsections (a) and (b)".

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–34, §724(b)(4)(A), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b). Former subsec. (b), which related to penalties for failure to make deposit of taxes, was struck out.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–34, §724(b)(4), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c), added par. (4), and redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (4) and (5), respectively. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).

Pub. L. 97–34, §722(a)(3), substituted "6660" for "6659" in heading and text.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–34, §724(b)(4), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c).

1969—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 91–172 inserted "or pay tax" after "tax return".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after Dec. 31, 1989, see section 7721(d) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 461 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 714(h)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, to which such amendment relates, see section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

Amendment by section 722(a)(5) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provisions of the Technical Corrections Act of 1984, Pub. L. 97–448, to which such amendment relates, see section 722(a)(6) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 172 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–34, title VII, §722(a)(4), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 342, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [enacting section 6659 of this title and amending this section and section 5761 of this title] shall apply to returns filed after December 31, 1981."

Amendment by section 724(b)(4) of Pub. L. 97–34 applicable to returns filed after Aug. 13, 1981, see section 724(c) of Pub. L. 97–34, set out as a note under section 6656 of this title.

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–172 applicable with respect to tax returns the date prescribed by law for filing of which is after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 943(d) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 6651 of this title.

§5685. Penalty and forfeiture relating to possession of devices for emitting gas, smoke, etc., explosives and firearms, when violating liquor laws

(a) Penalty for possession of devices for emitting gas, smoke, etc.

Whoever, when violating any law of the United States, or of any possession of the United States, or of the District of Columbia, in regard to the manufacture, taxation, or transportation of or traffic in distilled spirits, wines, or beer, or when aiding in any such violation, has in his possession or in his control any device capable of causing emission of gas, smoke, or fumes, and which may be used for the purpose of hindering, delaying, or preventing pursuit or capture, any explosive, or any firearm (as defined in section 5845), except a machine gun, or a shotgun having a barrel or barrels less than 18 inches in length, or a rifle having a barrel or barrels less than 16 inches in length, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both, and all persons engaged in any such violation or in aiding in any such violation shall be held to be in possession or control of such device, firearm, or explosive.

(b) Penalty for possession of machine gun, etc.

Whoever, when violating any such law, has in his possession or in his control a machine gun, or any shotgun having a barrel or barrels less than 18 inches in length, or a rifle having a barrel or barrels less than 16 inches in length, shall be imprisoned not more than 20 years; and all persons engaged in any such violation or in aiding in any such violation shall be held to be in possession and control of such machine gun, shotgun, or rifle.

(c) Forfeiture of firearms, devices, etc.

Every such firearm or device for emitting gas, smoke, or fumes, and every such explosive, machine gun, shotgun, or rifle, in the possession or control of any person when violating any such law, shall be seized and shall be forfeited and disposed of in the manner provided by section 5872.

(d) Definition of machine gun

As used in this section the term "machine gun" means a machine gun as defined in section 5845(b).

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1411; amended Pub. L. 86–478, §4, June 1, 1960, 74 Stat. 150; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1905(a)(23), (c)(6), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1821, 1823.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5685, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 699, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §1905(a)(23)(A), (c)(6), struck out "Territory or" after "United States, or of any" and substituted "section 5845" for "section 5848".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–455, §1905(a)(23)(B), substituted "section 5872" for "section 5862".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–455, §1905(a)(23)(C), substituted "means a machinegun as defined in section 5845(b)" for "means any weapon which shoots, or is designed to shoot, automatically or semiautomatically, more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger".

1960—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 86–478 substituted "shotgun having a barrel or barrels less than 18 inches in length, or a rifle having a barrel or barrels less than 16 inches in length" for "shotgun or rifle having a barrel or barrels less than 18 inches in length".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–455 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1905(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 5005 of this title.

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 86–478 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 10 days after June 1, 1960, see section 5 of Pub. L. 86–478, June 1, 1960, 74 Stat. 150.

§5686. Penalty for having, possessing, or using liquor or property intended to be used in violating provisions of this chapter

(a) General

It shall be unlawful to have or possess any liquor or property intended for use in violating any provision of this chapter or regulations issued pursuant thereto, or which has been so used, and every person so having or possessing or using such liquor or property, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(b) Cross reference

For seizure and forfeiture of liquor and property had, possessed, or used in violation of subsection (a), see section 7302.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1411.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5686, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 700, consisted in subsecs. (b) and (c) of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Prior section 5686(a) related to offenses as to operation of industrial alcohol or denaturing plants or unlawful withdrawal of taxable alcohol. See section 5687 of this title.

§5687. Penalty for offenses not specifically covered

Whoever violates any provision of this chapter or regulations issued pursuant thereto, for which a specific criminal penalty is not prescribed by this chapter, shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, for each such offense.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1412.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5687, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 700, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Prior section 5687 also related to forfeitures applicable to distillers, rectifiers, and wholesale liquor dealers for offenses not specifically covered. See sections 7301 and 7302 of this title.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior sections 5602, 5608(c), 5612 to 5619, 5627, 5628, 5630, 5631, 5643, 5684(a) and 5686(a), act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 683, 685, 686, 689, 692, 693, 699, 700, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

§5688. Disposition and release of seized property

(a) Forfeiture

(1) Delivery

All distilled spirits, wines, and beer forfeited, summarily or by order of court, under any law of the United States, shall be delivered to the Administrator of General Services to be disposed of as hereinafter provided.

(2) Disposal

The Administrator of General Services shall dispose of all distilled spirits, wines, and beer which have been delivered to him pursuant to paragraph (1)—

(A) by delivery to such Government agencies as, in his opinion, have a need for such distilled spirits, wines, or beer for medicinal, scientific, or mechanical purposes, or for any other official purpose for which appropriated funds may be expended by a Government agency; or

(B) by gifts to such eleemosynary institutions as, in his opinion, have a need for such distilled spirits, wines, or beer for medicinal purposes; or

(C) by destruction.

(3) Limitation on disposal

Except as otherwise provided by law, no distilled spirits, wines, or beer which have been seized under any law of the United States may be disposed of in any manner whatsoever except after forfeiture and as provided in this subsection.

(4) Regulations

The Administrator of General Services is authorized to make all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection.

(5) Remission or mitigation of forfeitures

Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of the Secretary, under the customs or internal revenue laws, to remit or mitigate the forfeiture, or alleged forfeiture, of such distilled spirits, wines, or beer, or the authority of the Secretary, to compromise any civil or criminal case in respect of such distilled spirits, wines, or beer prior to commencement of suit thereon, or the authority of the Secretary to compromise any claim under the customs laws in respect to such distilled spirits, wines, or beer.

(b) Distraint or judicial process

Except as provided in section 5243, all distilled spirits sold by order of court, or under process of distraint, shall be sold subject to tax; and the purchaser shall immediately, and before he takes possession of said spirits, pay the tax thereon, pursuant to the applicable provisions of this chapter and in accordance with regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary.

(c) Release of seized vessels or vehicles by courts

Notwithstanding any provisions of law relating to the return on bond of any vessel or vehicle seized for the violation of any law of the United States, the court having jurisdiction of the subject matter may, in its discretion and upon good cause shown by the United States, refuse to order such return of any such vessel or vehicle to the claimant thereof. As used in this subsection, the word "vessel" includes every description of watercraft used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation in water or in water and air; and the word "vehicle" includes every animal and description of carriage or other contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on land or through the air.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1412; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5688, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 701, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

1976—Subsecs. (a)(5), (b). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

[§5689. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1905(b)(2)(E)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1822]

Section, added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1413, provided for penalty and forfeiture for tampering with a stamp machine.

A prior section 5689, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 702, related to penalty and forfeiture for tampering with a stamp machine, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1905(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 5005 of this title.

§5690. Definition of the term "person"

The term "person", as used in this subchapter, includes an officer or employee of a corporation or a member or employee of a partnership, who as such officer, employee, or member is under a duty to perform the act in respect of which the violation occurs.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1413.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5690, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 702, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.