Section 274 - Certificate of approval for distribution of malt beverages, vinous beverages, or ready-to drink spirits beverages(a) The Board of Liquor and Lottery may grant to a manufacturer or distributor of malt beverages, vinous beverages, or ready-to-drink spirits beverages that is not licensed under the provisions of this title a certificate of approval if the manufacturer or distributor does all of the following: (1) Submits an application on a form prescribed by the Board, including any additional information that the Board may deem necessary.(2) Agrees to comply with the rules of the Board.(3) Pays the fee provided in section 204 of this title to the Division of Liquor Control by a certified check payable to the State of Vermont or another form of payment approved by the Board of Liquor and Lottery. If the Board does not grant the application, the certified check or payment shall be returned to the applicant.(b) A certificate of approval shall permit the holder to export malt beverages, vinous beverages, or ready-to-drink spirits beverages or sell malt beverages, vinous beverages, or ready-to-drink spirits beverages to holders of packagers' or wholesale dealers' licenses issued under section 272 or 273 of this title, or both.(c) A holder of a packager's or a wholesale dealer's license issued under this title shall not purchase within or outside the State, or import or cause to be imported into the State, any malt beverages, vinous beverages, or ready-to-drink spirits beverages unless the person, manufacturer, or distributor from which the beverages are obtained holds a valid certificate of approval or packager's license.(d)(1) The Board of Liquor and Lottery may suspend or revoke a certificate of approval if the holder fails to comply with the rules of the Board or to submit reports to the Commissioner of Taxes in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.(2)(A) A certificate of approval shall not be revoked unless the holder has been given a hearing following reasonable notice.(B) Notice of a revocation or suspension shall be sent to each holder of a packager's or wholesale dealer's license prior to the effective date of the revocation or suspension.(e) A person who violates a provision of this section shall be fined not more than $750.00 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, for each offense and shall forfeit any license issued under the provisions of this title.Amended by 2022 , No. 177, § 22, eff. 7/1/2022.Added 2017 , No. 83, § 58; amended 2018, No. 1 (Sp. Sess.), § 59; 2019 , No. 73, § 7.