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
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
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
Many businesses today have a more complicated corporate structure than they did in the past. At the time when many of the current provisions of the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law were adopted in the 1930s, holding...more
For years, applicants applying for New York State liquor licenses have relied on Temporary Retail Permits to allow them to get up and running quicker. These permits can be issued by the New York State Liquor Authority much...more
On January 16, 2024, New Jersey enacted legislation that is expected to substantially boost the number of available liquor licenses statewide, and ease restrictions on craft breweries. The new law has provisions that are...more
Key Points: Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act does not merely apply to “any person” but, rather, imposes an obligation on particular persons and entities. To establish a basis for Dram Shop liability, it must be shown that the...more
Throughout my career as a hospitality and liquor license lawyer, I have been on the front lines of many successes and challenges in the industry. From inception of the business through succession, I have learned from...more
Many New York State liquor license holders including restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries, may sometimes cater off-site events, such as weddings or holiday parties. These licensees will generally apply for “special...more
Virginia’s Alcohol Beverage Control (“ABC”) Act provides that an entity seeking to ship wine to Virginia consumers must have a license to do so, and each license must “designate the place where the business of the licensee...more
Alaska's Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) on Sept. 18, 2023, released the much-anticipated Alaska Alcohol and Cannabis Information System (AK-ACCIS), an online web portal that will allow entities to apply for, renew...more
We always recommend you regularly review your state liquor licenses to ensure you hold the correct licenses for your business needs. However, given recent feedback from California regulators, you may want to expedite such a...more
Looking for a lottery ticket that could win you a highly coveted and valuable liquor license? If so, and you have $100 to spare, then you too can apply for the state’s “quota” liquor license lottery....more
Last week the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s (PLCB) released information regarding its 12th auction of expired restaurant licenses. This auction is expected to have a significant impact on the culinary landscape across...more
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Patience is a virtue. Pick your cliché to describe the glacial, but perceptible pace of the evolution of Alabama’s alcohol rules. There were a number of changes to alcohol laws in the most recent...more
Until recently, Florida restaurants needed to maintain 2,500 square feet of service area and be able to serve meals to 150 persons at one time (i.e., 150 or more patron seats on the premises) to hold a non-quota full-service...more
Effective July 1, 2023, liquor-by-the-drink license holders – aka LBD – can choose their license expiration date. This allows restaurants, bars, hotels and other LBD license holders with multiple licenses to set one or more...more
Legislation headed to the governor’s desk changes Tennessee law to allow grocery stores to sell wine coolers and a broad array of wine products that were previously taboo. SB497 / HB411 changes the definition of wine for...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
Tennessee’s statute that authorizes carry out alcohol is set to sunset July 1 of this year. We keep hearing the question: will cocktails to go be extended? Legislation backed by the state hospitality association was set...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
Here's an oft-repeated question: can I "brown bag" — bring my own wine — in a restaurant, hotel or bar that holds a liquor license in Tennessee? Surprise, surprise — yes, you can. In an unusual twist of Tennessee liquor...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