(a) General. It is unlawful for any dealer to purchase distilled spirits for resale from any person other than:

(1) A wholesale dealer (including a State, a political subdivision of a State, the District of Columbia, and a distilled spirits plant) who is required to keep records under §§31.151 through 31.163 pertaining to the place where the distilled spirits are purchased;

(2) A retail liquor store operated by a State, a political subdivision of a State, or the District of Columbia; or

(3) A person not required to register as a wholesale liquor dealer, as provided in §§31.62, 31.63, 31.66, and 31.67.

(b) Special provision for limited retail dealers. A limited retail dealer may purchase distilled spirits from a retail dealer in liquors for resale.

(26 U.S.C. 5132)