About Bernie

Bernard Kipp is an Alcohol Compliance Advisor in the Winery and Vineyard Management group. Before joining Stoel Rives, Bernard served as the District Director of Investigations for the Northwest Field Office of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), (which is part of the U.S. Treasury Department), in Vancouver, WA, 2003-2008.

Bernard was the Regional Deciding Official in resolution of cases of administration action against alcohol and tobacco permit holders in the Northwest District and served as specialist in ATF/TTB's Regulations Division. He has over 35 years of experience as a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) field investigator in dealing with unusual and complicated matters regarding federal and state regulation of alcohol and tobacco issues. His work experience includes a Regulations Specialist, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau Headquarters, Washington, D.C., 2002-2003; Inspector, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Portland, Oregon, 1976-2002; Inspector, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, San Jose, California, 1969-1976.

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Experience

As Director of the Northwest Field Office, was responsible for overseeing the licensing field investigations of distilleries, wineries, breweries, tobacco manufacturers, importers and exporters in nine western states.
Coordinated TTB's efforts in conducting integrity investigations at distilleries, wineries and breweries to ensure that alcohol beverages are produced, labeled and marketed in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
Coordinated TTB's business practices enforcement in the Northwest District and presented numerous business practice compliance seminars to importers and wholesalers to ensure compliance with the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
Developed and maintained liaison with state regulatory agencies and industry groups in the nine states comprising the Northwest District (AK, WA, OR, ID, HI, MT, UT, AZ, NV).
As Regulations Specialist, was responsible for development and input on significant projects such as alternating proprietorships, brewery adjunct list, approved winemaking materials, and six viticultural applications.
Routinely instructed field personnel on TTB issues and policies.

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Honors

Honors & Activities

Albert Gallatin Award by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson.

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Insights & Presentations

“Regulatory Issues for Brewers and Cideries,” MBAA District NW Fall Meeting, Portland, Oregon, Oct. 14-15, 2016
“Regulatory Nuts and Bolts - Licensing, Labeling, Formulas, Taxes, and the Cider Act," Stoel Rives Cider Workshop Series, Portland, Oregon, March 31, 2016
“Distillery Compliance 101: How to Prepare For and Pass a TTB Audit,” Live Oak Bank Webinar, March 23, 2016
“Direct-to-Consumer and Online Sales,” Wine Law in Washington, Law Seminars International, Walla Walla, Washington, Aug. 2013
“Common Compliance Issues Found in TTB Audits,” Stoel Rives Washington Wine Law Seminar, Woodinville, Washington, March 2013

Related News & Publications

Wine Law Alert: TTB Steps Up Enforcement for Failure to Timely Report Changes in Winery Ownership - 5/3/2010

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