You may want to operate your distillery under a name other than your business name. This is commonly known as operating under an “assumed business name,” a “DBA” (doing business as), a fictitious business name, or a trade name. To operate under an assumed business name, you usually must file an application with the appropriate office in your state.
There are good reasons for using a DBA. First, DBAs allow you to operate multiple businesses without having to create separate legally entities for each. They also allow you to select easily recognizable and memorable names for each business you operate. For example, Doe Family, LLC may own a brewery and distillery which they operate as Jane’s Brewpub and Janie’s Distilling, respectively. Jane’s Brewpub and Janie’s Distilling are assumed business names.
The TTB requires you to file state-issued certificates showing you registered your assumed business name with your DSP permit application.