Alcohol & Regulated Industries

Shutts & Bowen’s alcohol and regulated industry attorneys offer diverse capabilities for clients in matters involving comprehensive alcohol regulatory compliance and licensing at the federal, state and local levels. We help navigate clients through complex problems posed by the rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, working with businesses to create intelligent solutions that support strategic business objectives.

Our understanding of alcohol licensing regulations, coupled with our multijurisdictional capabilities in Florida, makes us well-positioned to tackle any regulatory and compliance issues that may arise. Our attorneys understand the inner workings of government agencies and have strong connections with industry professionals. Because of our experience, we understand how regulatory agencies operate and how decisions are made by public employees.

Our regulatory lawyers frequently work alongside Shutts’ Government Law, Corporate, Hospitality and Land Use attorneys, who offer a perspective from time spent as public servants with federal, regional, state, county, and municipal governments.

Alcohol Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

Our Alcohol & Regulated Industries attorneys are particularly focused on assisting clients with comprehensive alcohol licensing and regulatory compliance representation focused on strategic business solutions and expansion. They strive to be at the forefront of emerging industry trends and the refashioning of traditional concepts. Our professionals have helped shape alcoholic beverage regulations for many years at the federal, state, and local level. They represent all tiers of the alcohol industry, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and both on- and off-premise retailers. Our clients are diverse and operate across a wide array of industries and services focused on the production, importation, distribution, and retail sale of alcohol including both on- and off-premise establishments. Our team has helped many small and big businesses in acquiring their alcohol license to serve in Florida.

Experience

The many services we provide include the following:

  • Advising clients on alcohol licensing structure options and varying business operational models for the manufacturing, importation, and sale and service of alcoholic beverages for on- or off-premise consumption.
  • Drafting and negotiation of management, distribution/importing, and operating agreements.
  • Analyzing complex ownership structures and investment funds for review of limited disclosure options and compliance with federal, state, and local ownership disclosure regulations.
  • Completing alcohol business licensing and permitting, including federal, state, and local approvals.
  • Certificate of Label Approvals (COLA) for foreign and domestic alcohol producers and importers.
  • Managing and tracking cross-border and multi-jurisdictional licensing projects including license transfers resulting from mergers and acquisitions and restructuring.
  • Alcohol related land use and zoning approval processes for new project development or alcohol service integration.
  • Lease review and negotiations including landlord disclosures and percentage rent payment terms and resolution of landlord/tenant performance disputes.
  • Reviewing and analyzing inter-industry business relations including manufacturer and supplier alcohol marketing programs, alcohol brand sponsorships, product promotions, and social media advertising campaigns.
  • Defense against federal, state, and local regulatory enforcement investigations, citations and administrative allegations relating to alcohol law violations.
  • Emergency preparedness planning and on-site training including development of emergency management protocols and procedures, enforcement or cancellation of contracts and leases, pandemic & social distancing protocols.
  • Analyzing alcohol purchasing and distribution options for foreign and domestic passenger common carriers.

Representative Clients

  • Foreign and Domestic Alcohol Producers and Importers
  • Craft Producers & Tasting Room Operators
  • Industry Trade Associations
  • Contract Producers/Private Label Producers & Importers
  • Alcohol Wholesalers
  • Entertainment and Sports Venue Facilities
  • Restaurants, Bars, Hotels
  • Movie Theaters, Bowling Alleys, Arcades
  • Alcohol Retailers, Liquor Stores, Grocery Stores
  • Airports & Airlines
  • Train Stations/Train Operators
  • Cruise Lines
  • Private caterers, Event promoters and Event Sponsors
  • Concessionaires and Beverage Kiosk Operators
  • Online Delivery and Mobile Application Operators
  • Online Retailers

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Shutts & Bowen, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 270 lawyers located in eight offices across Florida.

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