Law Offices of John P. Connell, P.C.: A new policy has been adopted by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) to simplify the application process for persons seeking retail alcoholic beverage licenses, such as those authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages at restaurants, pubs, lounges and liquor stores. Effective Tuesday, May 28, 2013, the process aims to alleviate the delay Continue Reading...
Tag Archives: Winery
Law Offices of John P. Connell, P.C.: On May 13, 2013, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) created an alcoholic beverage industry circular to clarify rules regarding advertising practices for businesses in the alcoholic beverage industry. Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) generally regulates such advertising practices within this industry. In light of society’s Continue Reading...
Law Offices of John P. Connell, P.C.: When approving the grant or transfer of a liquor license, a local licensing authority (“LLA”) determines the license’s “public need.” Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 138, § 23, a LLA has the authority to approve the grant or transfer of a license “with a view only to serve the public need and in such Continue Reading...
Law Offices of John P. Connell, P.C.: Under Massachusetts law, when a local licensing authority (“LLA”) takes action to “modify” a licensee’s license, the licensee can normally appeal that action to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) for a hearing. M.G.L. c. 138, §67. However, where a LLA decreases or otherwise changes the hours a licensee is authorized to sell Continue Reading...
The Players: Importers vs. Distributors In the United States, the key players in the alcoholic beverage industry make up a three-tier system and this three tier system is the law in most states. With respect to wine, the top-tier of this system is the winery or manufacturer that is producing the wine. Foreign manufacturers often obtain an agent who represents Continue Reading...