Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Glossary

A federal law enforcement agency within the US Department of Justice. The ATF is responsible for:

Reducing alcohol smuggling and contraband cigarette trafficking, and divesting criminal and terrorist organizations of funds derived from these activities.
Investigating and preventing arson, bombings and terrorist acts and the illegal use of destructive devices (such as bombs) and explosives used to commit those acts.
Reducing illegal firearm use by:
- enforcing federal firearms laws;
- issuing firearms licenses; and
- conducting firearms licensee qualification and compliance inspections.

For more information on how the ATF regulates the marketing of alcohol, firearms and tobacco in the US, see Practice Note, Advertising: Overview.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) | Practical Law