Mar. 06, 2018

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna Adds Alcoholic Beverage Practice Area

At Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, we strive to provide the highest quality services to meet the needs of our region. In light of the recent surge of craft alcohol producers in our area - up 50% since 2014 - we’ve decided to take our support of the industry to the next level, adding an Alcoholic Beverages practice area to our firm.

Our attorneys are no stranger to this practice area. In fact, we’ve been regularly handling licensing and compliance matters unique to the industry, as well as defending enforcement proceedings before the New York State Liquor Authority. Our representation also covers less industry-specific matters that apply, such as land use, tax, real estate, and labor and employment matters.

The surge of craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries, and other craft alcoholic beverages has brought with it a tangled web of complex laws. State and federal laws surrounding the industry continue to be modernized, and the delicate nature of the industry ensures that it remains highly regulated. Owners of these craft beverage companies are faced with oftentimes confusing laws to navigate, including:

-       NYS Craft New York Act

-       Franchise Laws

-       Food Safety Modernization Act

-       Craft Beverage Modernization Tax Reform Act

-       NYS ABC Laws

Our attorneys work closely with the organizations that regulate the craft beverage industry - the US Tax and Trade Bureau, FDA, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, OSHA, NYS DEC, NYS DOH, and NFPA - to ensure that our clients will be protected and in compliance with all regulations, as they apply to their business. 

At the end of the day, owners and participants in the craft beverage industry often require sophisticated legal counsel to provide services that encompass their entire operation. Presently, we represent manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers to provide ongoing legal counsel on everything from licensing and real estate to federal and state taxation, land use and water laws, and more. 

You can learn more about our new practice area in the Alcoholic Beverages section. If you need legal representation for your new craft beverage operation, contact an experienced attorney at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna.