(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, every person who sells or offers for sale distilled spirits, wines, or beer to another dealer is a wholesale dealer in liquors for purposes of this part. Every wholesale dealer in liquors must comply with the registration and other requirements of this part, unless the dealer is covered by an applicable exemption under subpart D of this part.

(b) Persons not deemed to be wholesale dealers in liquors. The following persons are not wholesale dealers in liquors within the meaning of this part:

(1) A wholesale dealer in beer as described in § 31.34(a);

(2) A person who sells or offers for sale distilled spirits, wines, or beer only as provided in §§ 31.61 through 31.64, § 31.65(a), or § 31.66; or

(3) A person returning liquors for credit, refund, or exchange as provided in § 31.67.