The FDA Is Charging Distilleries $14K for Making Hand Sanitizer

In the early days of the COVID pandemic, distilleries around the country adapted their facilities to produce hand sanitizer.But governmental fine print is taking some well-meaning spirits makers by surprise.The CARES Act allowed distilleries to produce hand sanitizer without "an approved drug application.".Unfortunately, it also stated that the FDA will "assess and collect user fees" on the hand sanitizer.That means that even if a distillery donated every drop of hand sanitizer produced, it still has to pay the FDA.The fees range between $9,373 and $14,060 annually, and this year's bill is due by February 12th.The American Craft Spirits Association is doing its part to push back against the FDA.And they have recommended that distilleries not write a check until this mess gets sorted out