When any aspect of your business involves producing, distributing, or selling alcohol, you need lawyers who know the industry and its regulatory framework.
Because we work with all three tiers of the alcohol industry: importers, producers, and distributors, we have a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal liquor laws. Beyond that, our client base includes government agencies, Indian Tribes, retail and hospitality clients that utilize liquor licenses, and service providers that cater to the alcohol industry.
Every client in the alcohol industry has unique needs, and our advice and services vary accordingly. Still, we can represent you in nearly any matter involving U.S. liquor laws and the liquor licensing process.
What We Offer
Compliance services and strategic counsel regarding state, local, and federal laws
Answers to nuanced questions about alcohol regulations and exceptions
Assistance in obtaining liquor licenses
Commercially minded legal advice based on our team's extensive experience in the alcohol industry
Legal representation before the local community and state liquor control boards
Local counsel to national companies with licensing needs
Liquor Licensing
We have years of experience handling licensing matters for clients opening new businesses nationwide, such as craft breweries, restaurants, gaming establishments, and retail liquor establishments. Our attorneys offer guidance and legal support throughout the application process, from preparing and filing applications to supporting clients at hearings before a local or state licensing authority. We can also assist with transferring licenses due to bankruptcies or foreclosures.
Many of our licensing clients are in retail and hospitality, including restaurant and hotel chains, airlines, limousine operators, independent restaurants, bar and tavern owners, and grocery, convenience, and liquor store owners. Our firm will often act as local counsel for national companies on licensing matters, which involves communicating with community and state liquor control boards and other local agencies on behalf of the client.
In addition to licensing work, we frequently help retail and hospitality clients by advising on management agreement matters, identifying suitable locations for specific properties, and obtaining special use permits.
Regulatory Compliance
We offer compliance services and advice based on our extensive experience in the alcohol industry. Our most typical compliance matters involve:
Preventing liquor code violations
Complying with the federal and state laws regulating the sale and marketing of alcoholic beverages
Notifying local agencies about corporate restructurings
Obtaining licenses for key individuals appointed to management
Manufacturing
We advise alcoholic beverage producers—from craft distillers to larger suppliers—on all matters relating to licensing and compliance, trade practices, and distribution. We are routinely called upon to perform comprehensive reviews and risk analyses of federal and state liquor laws and advise clients on how to avoid compliance actions by government authorities. We also frequently draft and review licensing, bottling, and distribution agreements.
Distribution
We represent large networks of distributors, including both local and national players. Our services range from reviewing and guiding distributors through primary source and franchise law disputes to regulatory, licensing, legislative, and trade practices compliance matters. We also draft and review local, national, and international distribution agreements.
Intellectual Property
We advise clients in the alcohol industry, such as craft brewers and distillers, on various intellectual property matters, including trademarks and patents.
Government Relations
The lobbyists and lawyers on our Government Relations Team offer legislative advocacy at the federal and state levels in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. Our government relations attorneys can help you identify and resolve legal and regulatory issues through changes in the law.
Certificates of Label Approvals (COLAs)
We ensure that the labeling on your alcoholic beverage products meets the detailed federal regulatory requirements of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration for label content.
Violation Hearings
We stand ready to help you rectify any issues surrounding liquor code violations, revoked liquor licenses, and license suspensions. In addition to liquor license violation cases, we advise on related matters involving improper conduct by clients or their employees.
Liquor License Violation Cases:
Consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors in an establishment
Open containers or consumption of alcohol on prohibited premises
Sale of alcohol after permitted hours
Sale of alcohol by minors
Sale of alcohol to intoxicated persons
Sale of alcohol to minors
Unauthorized transfer of a liquor license
Need legal advice and guidance in liquor law?
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Contact
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