Last month we reported on the TTB's clarification on "tied house" law and its exceptions under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act [see BBD 02-11-2016]. That explanation was likely in response to Kroger's plan to use Southern Wine and Spirits to provide sweeping category management and shelf set services, charging suppliers and distributors (on a "voluntary" basis) to help mitigate the costs. Many industry folk thought that to be illegal: too much of value provided to retailers, the classic no-no.