In CHR Corp., Case No. 2025-9028, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Examiner Report (2025), the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) rejected a $9 million initiative by CHR Corp. d/b/a Rutter’s convenience stores to turn...more
Yes, as of January 1, 2026, distilleries will be permitted to ship spirits direct-to-consumer in California under the state’s groundbreaking new alcohol shipping law, Assembly Bill 1246, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on...more
As the shutdown of the federal government hits the one-week mark, many in the alcohol industry are asking “does this impact my company?” The alcohol industry is not only regulated by state or local agencies. The federal...more
As the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) continues to modernize, retail licensees should prepare for a major shift in the timelines and format for paying wholesale licensees. Starting January 1, 2026,...more
These are not good times for Minnesota’s brewing industry. Seemingly every time one opens the paper or goes online, there’s news of another longstanding Minnesota craft brewery closing its doors. Tin Whiskers, Burning...more
Colorado Senate Bill 33 was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on April 10 after passing the legislature with sizable bipartisan support. The new Colorado law blocks the state from issuing additional liquor licenses to...more
On April 1, the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division (“LED”) issued Bulletin 25-01 Direct-to-Consumer Shipments, which states that direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) shipments of malt or spiritous alcohol into Colorado are illegal. ...more
Big news in Washington State this week, folks! The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (“WSLCB”) is going digital!...more
On February 28, 2025, the Third Circuit upheld a New Jersey law that bars the sale of out-of-state wine to New Jersey consumers without a license. The state law in question allows only sellers with a physical presence in New...more
Navigating Pennsylvania’s strict PLCB liquor licensing rules can be challenging, especially when it comes to interlocking business prohibitions. Whether you’re applying for a restaurant liquor license or negotiating a lease...more
The ABC almost always conducts clean stings for sales to minors. We have been preaching this for more than three decades. Almost always....more
We are hearing a popular question from restaurants, bars, hotels and venues these days. Does my liquor license or beer permit include the sale of THC infused beverages? In a word, no....more
Hotel liquor licenses provide a dizzying array of ways to serve alcohol. Here they are: Selling alcoholic beverages by the glass or cup on the hotel premises. Guests should not leave the licensed premises with an open...more
On July 17, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill No. 688 into law, now known as Act 86 of 2024. This legislation introduces a major change to the state’s liquor laws by permitting the sale of...more
These powerful storms are unpredictable, and despite our best efforts to prepare, they often leave a trail of destruction in their wake. When the winds finally die down and the floodwaters recede, they often leave behind a...more
Effective August 9, 2024, a new Maine law has streamlined the application process for obtaining a license for the wholesale or retail sale of liquor. This will be especially helpful for any bar or restaurant seeking to obtain...more
Liquor-by-the-drink license holders have been receiving notices from the Tennessee Department of Revenue....more
Oregon liquor licensees, CAMP is here! Earlier this year, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (“OLCC”) began their phased launch of the state’s new digital Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program (CAMP) licensing...more
On July 15, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation that amends Pennsylvania’s liquor code, specifically the duration of happy hours and the discounting of alcoholic beverages. These changes to the liquor code...more
Senate Bill 527: ABC Omnibus has been adopted by the North Carolina General Assembly and is heading to Governor Cooper for signature. This legislation, if signed as expected, will bring significant reforms to the state's...more
The Tennessee ABC has new rules for catering alcoholic beverages. The new rules add specific requirements for what constitutes a commercial catering kitchen. To qualify for a catering license, applicants “are required...more
In HUF Rest., Inc. v. Commonwealth, No. 394, 2024 Pa. Commw. LEXIS 105, at *1 (Pa. Commw. Ct. Apr. 24, 2024) the Commonwealth Court ruled that a buyer’s failure to obtain a bulk sale certificate made it liable for the...more
This CLE course will cover the negotiation and structure of permit and license clauses in hotel purchase sale agreements, with an emphasis on liquor licenses. Our panel will discuss pitfalls in drafting and high priority...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
It has been the long-standing rule of the Liquor Authority that there cannot be two liquor licenses issued to two different licensees for the same physical space (the Licensed Premises). That is the reason why the Authority...more