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
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
On November 9, 2022, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB” or “Agency”) announced that the Agency is considering updating the alcohol trade practice regulations for the first time in 20 years. The current...more
After surviving a challenge to Attorney General Healey’s certification this summer, the “Changes to Alcohol Retail Licensing Initiative” will appear on the ballot this November as Massachusetts Question 3....more
Following consumer trends and fueled by the pandemic and related loosening of restrictions on in-state retailer alcohol delivery regulations, the marketplace for alcohol delivery services has expanded exponentially over the...more
On January 26, 2022, the New York State Liquor Authority issued a Declaratory Ruling regarding the eligibility of New York movie theaters to apply for and obtain on-premises retail licenses for beer and wine service. This is...more
On October 8, 2021, Governor Newsom approved three restaurant relief measures. These measures will affect outdoor dining and the ABC license process....more
Direct-to-consumer wine sellers will face confusing, burdensome, and potentially unlawful new tax collection responsibilities beginning in 2021. The Illinois Department of Revenue released Informational Bulletin FY 2021-06...more
The recent US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan opinion strikes down a Michigan statue and authorizes out-of-state retailers to sell and ship wine directly to Michigan consumers. Lebamoff Enterprises v....more
The “final word” may be in sight in a long-running dispute over state residency requirements imposed on applicants for retail alcohol beverage licenses as well as more fundamental questions about state powers under the 21st...more
On March 23, 2018, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 1447 into law, paving the way for easier access to alcoholic beverage licenses for restaurants located in certain parts of downtown Orlando....more
On February 21, 2018, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit published its opinion in Byrd v. Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association, No. 17-5552. The decision, which includes a partial dissent, affirms a...more
On June 8, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law the first major overhaul of the Commonwealth’s Liquor Code since the end of Prohibition. Wolf heralded the measure as enhancing customer convenience while providing...more