DraftVerify Trust Every Pour.
DraftVerify Standards Library · F-39

Product Switching & Line Reuse Protocol

Version 1.0 · Publication Date: 2025-01-01 · Status: Active
© 2025 DraftVerify™ Standards Initiative. All rights reserved.

F-39 defines the rules and procedures for switching draft products and reusing existing draft lines under the DraftVerify Standard.
Because NA draft requires strict identity and safety controls, switching products introduces risk:

  • mis-serve
  • cross-contamination
  • incorrect identity mapping
  • digital misalignment
  • faucet-side inconsistencies

This protocol ensures safe transitions between products while preserving the DraftVerify identity chain.

1. Purpose of This Protocol

This protocol exists to:

  • Ensure NA draft is never served through a line with alcoholic residue
  • Maintain correct mapping between keg → coupler → line → faucet
  • Prevent identity drift during product rotation
  • Provide clear rules for NA vs alcoholic switching
  • Support operational flexibility without compromising safety

NA draft can only be served through a line that meets all DraftVerify reuse criteria.

2. Scope

Applies to:

  • Bars and restaurants
  • Breweries and taprooms
  • Stadium and venue draft systems
  • Distributors assisting with line changes
  • Any operator serving NA draft under DraftVerify

Covers:

  • Product switching workflow
  • Line reuse eligibility
  • Cleaning and sanitation rules
  • Verification and documentation
  • Mapping updates for DraftVerify Registry

3. Switching Rules Overview

3.1 NA ↔ NA Switching

Allowed if:

  • Line is flushed
  • Correct Line Tag is applied
  • Verification checks pass

3.2 Alcoholic → NA Switching

Not permitted unless the operator completes:

  • Full chemical clean
  • 100% confirmed flush
  • Line audit
  • Identity reset

This protects NA consumers from accidental alcohol exposure.

3.3 NA → Alcoholic Switching

Allowed, but:

  • NA Line Tag must be removed
  • Faucet identifier updated
  • Registry mapping reset

3.4 Temporary Rotations

Short-term events (pop-ups, seasonals) must follow the same rules as permanent changes.

4. Product Switching Workflow

Step 1 — Deactivate Current Product

Operator must:

  • Close keg
  • Remove coupler
  • Remove existing Line Tag
  • Remove or update Faucet ID

Step 2 — Cleaning & Flushing

Minimum requirements:

  • Warm rinse
  • Chemical clean according to system guidelines
  • Final cold rinse

For alcoholic → NA transitions:
Full deep clean required.

Step 3 — Identity Reset

Before connecting a new keg, operator must:

  • Update the line map
  • Apply new Line Tag (F-8)
  • Update faucet identifier (F-9)
  • Remove any old digital references

Step 4 — Connect New Keg

Standards:

  • Inspect Coupler Tag (F-7)
  • Ensure zip-tie is intact
  • Verify collar and sidewall band

Step 5 — DraftVerify Verification

Scan Coupler Tag and confirm:

  • Product name
  • Category
  • Brewery
  • Activation status

If mismatched:
Do not connect. Quarantine immediately.

Step 6 — Documentation

Operator must log:

  • Date & time
  • Previous product
  • New product
  • Staff initials
  • Cleaning confirmation
  • Verification scan

5. Line Reuse Eligibility Rules

To reuse a line for NA draft, it must meet all of the following:

Requirement Description
Cleaning completed Rinse → chemical cycle → final rinse
No alcoholic residue Required for NA switching
New Line Tag applied Must reflect correct identity
Faucet ID updated Old identifiers must be removed
Registry mapping updated Digital identity must match physical
Verification successful NFC scan must confirm correct product

If any element fails → line cannot be reused for NA draft.

6. Identity Mismatch Handling

If identity does not match:

  • Do not allow the tap to open
  • Remove keg from service
  • Check for incorrect Line Tag
  • Confirm faucet label accuracy
  • Re-scan Coupler Tag
  • Document mismatch in venue logs
  • Notify distributor and DraftVerify (if required)

Identity mismatches are treated as potential mis-serve events.

7. Documentation Requirements

Operators must maintain:

7.1 Switching Logs

  • Old product
  • New product
  • Cleaning confirmation
  • Staff initials
  • Notes on unusual conditions

7.2 Verification Logs

  • NFC scan timestamp
  • DTI
  • Product identity

7.3 System Map Updates

Every switch must result in:

  • Updated line map
  • Updated faucet list
  • Updated cooler diagram

8. Distributor Responsibilities During Switching

Distributors assisting with product switching must:

  • Verify identity before delivering replacement kegs
  • Confirm Coupler Tag integrity
  • Provide correct Line Tags and identifiers (if requested)
  • Report any identity issues observed at the venue

Distributors must never reconnect kegs without verification.

9. Safety Considerations

  • Never run alcoholic and NA products through the same line without deep cleaning
  • Never mix Line Tags from different systems
  • Never bypass verification scanning
  • Never reuse a coupler tag
  • Never rotate NA onto a faucet still labeled as alcoholic

Failure to follow these rules may cause:

  • Mis-serve
  • Regulatory breaches
  • Consumer safety risks
  • Venue liability

10. Compliance Requirements

A venue is F-39 compliant when:

  • All product switches follow the required workflow
  • All NA transitions meet deep-clean rules
  • All identity elements match (Line Tag, Faucet ID, Coupler Tag, Registry)
  • Verification scans are logged
  • Documentation is complete and accessible

Non-compliance may result in:

  • Audit failure
  • Mandatory retraining
  • Certification suspension

11. Summary

The Product Switching & Line Reuse Protocol ensures:

  • Identity integrity during all product transitions
  • Safe handling of NA draft
  • Accurate line mapping
  • Reliable verification
  • Prevention of cross-contamination
  • Consistency across all venues and distributors

F-39 is essential for preserving trust in NA draft service and ensuring accurate, safe pours every time.