US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

26 U.S.C. § 5052

Definitions

(a)

Beer

For purposes of this chapter (except when used with reference to distilling or distilling material) the term beer means beer, ale, porter, stout, and other similar fermented beverages (including sake or similar products) of any name or description containing one-half of 1 percent or more of alcohol by volume, brewed or produced from malt, wholly or in part, or from any substitute therefor.

(b)

Gallon

For purposes of this subpart, the term gallon means the liquid measure containing 231 cubic inches.

(c)

Removed for consumption of sale

Except as provided for in the case of removal of beer without payment of tax, the term “removed for consumption or sale”, for the purposes of this subpart means—
(1)

Sale of beer

The sale and transfer of possession of beer for consumption at the brewery; or

(2)

Removals

Any removal of beer from the brewery.

(d)

Brewer

For purposes of this chapter, the term “brewer” means any person who brews beer or produces beer for sale. Such term shall not include any person who produces only beer exempt from tax under section 5053(e).

Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 20172 Stat. 1333Pub. L. 91–673, § 1(b)84 Stat. 2056Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11125(b)(15)119 Stat. 1956(Added , , ; amended , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 73668A Stat. 612Pub. L. 85–859A prior section 5052, , , consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by .

Amendments

Pub. L. 109–592005—Subsec. (d). amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For definition of brewer, see section 5092.”

Pub. L. 91–6731971—Subsec. (c)(2). struck out proviso that removal of beer shall not include beer returned to the brewery on the same day such beer is removed from the brewery.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–59section 11125(c) of Pub. L. 109–59section 5002 of this titleAmendment by effective , but inapplicable to taxes imposed for periods before such date, see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–673section 5 of Pub. L. 91–673section 5056 of this titleAmendment by effective on first day of first calendar month which begins more than 90 days after , see , set out as a note under .