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Lowndes Client Corner Podcast Episode 1 - DraftLine Technologies, The Business of Beer
The final quarter of the year is the alcohol industry’s busiest period, accounting for approximately 70% of annual business. Many holiday-themed seasonal products are beginning to make their way to market, and it is important...more
A new law in New York expands retail sales channels for many craft alcoholic beverage producers across the country. S.2852A/A.3132A, recently signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, introduces significant changes to the...more
On July 17, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed SB 688 into law, expanding the number of available outlets that can sell ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) across the state. The new law defines “Ready-to-drink...more
The North Carolina General Assembly passed the ABC Omnibus bill, Senate Bill 527, and it was signed into law by Governor Cooper on Monday, July 8, 2024. Most of the provisions of the bill go into effect immediately. The bill...more
The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a district court’s summary judgment denial and determination that the definition of “beer” (which encompassed “other versions and combinations” of beer and malt...more
Many alcohol beverage industry clients are faced with lawsuits attacking product labels. These lawsuits can be frustrating for clients, particularly when the labels at issue were previously approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco...more
Nashville has enacted a city ordinance that makes the definition of beer consistent with state law. Previously, the Metro Nashville Beer Board allowed the sale of RTDs made from distilled spirits with a beer permit, if the...more
In a matter of first impression, the Supreme Court of New York held that protections afforded to beer wholesalers under the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (“NY ABC Law”) obligate an importer to honor a distribution...more
On July 13, 2023, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published Procedure Number 2023-1, providing brewers with updated guidance on the transfer of beer without tax payment between breweries not of the same...more
The American Water Works Association’s “Value of Water” social media campaign, including its No Water No Beer slogan, provides a stark wake-up call about the dire importance of conserving and protecting our precious water...more
If a large beverage company is considering purchasing or selling a craft beverage producer, it’s essential to understand how the craft producer may lose its earlier eligibility for reduced tax rates under the Craft Beverage...more
Last call for alcohol to go is 11:59 PM June 30, 2023. Cocktails to go expires in Tennessee on July 1, 2023. There are special rules for beer....more
Breweries outside of Oregon can sell and ship malt beverages directly to Oregon retailers if they obtain a newly created direct-to-retailer self-distribution permit. In addition, out-of-state breweries may obtain a Direct...more
FDA Proposes Changes to Standards of Identity for Foods Including Salt- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a proposed rule that would change the standards of identity (SOIs) for foods that include salt to...more
In recent years, environmental and sustainability concerns have become increasingly important across the economy. Such concerns create both risks and opportunities for the alcoholic beverages industry. Join our experienced...more
In a previous blog post, we had advised that extensions for outdoor dining and sale of alcoholic beverages to-go were set to expire on April 1, 2023. On March 23, 2023, however, the Legislature passed House Bill 3458,...more
SB1327/HB0594 is set for hearing today in the Senate and Wednesday in the House. There have been significant changes since our last update on this proposed legislation...more
Reliable sources say the Tennessee General Assembly is poised to introduce legislation to take away jurisdiction over beer at restaurants and limited service restaurants from the Metro Nashville Beer Board. HB0594 is...more
Molson Coors ran a series of ads in which athletes celebrated the completion of a difficult workout by opening a can labeled “Extremely Light Beer” and pouring the liquid over their heads. An announcer says: “Light beer...more
The economic squeeze of COVID-19 led to the passage of a Massachusetts law granting establishments with liquor licenses temporary powers to sell mixed drinks to-go, under certain conditions. Those temporary powers were...more
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts lawmakers temporarily authorized on-premises consumption licensees to expand their outdoor dining premises and offer to-go and delivery sales of alcoholic...more
In 2022, the alcohol industry saw significant developments in the regulatory space. As we look to 2023, industry leaders continue to adapt to the changing needs of consumers, driving more innovation than we’ve seen in years...more
Tennessee liquor laws are hopelessly complex, and the rules for sake are among the most byzantine. Sake is rice wine. Is it wine under Tennessee law?...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - Evaluation of FDA Human Foods Program Finds Culture of “Constant Turmoil” - An independent review commissioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Human Foods Program...more
State-wide self-distribution in Tennessee began October 1, 2021 for brewers. Rob Pinson and yours truly prepared the following summary of this ground-breaking law. Enjoy brewing, self-distributing and making money. In the...more