Finding the right distributor is critical to the success of an alcohol brand—as is ensuring the agreement appointing that distributor provides ample protection for the supplier or brand owner. At a high level, suppliers should keep the following top of mind when entering into a distribution relationship or negotiating a distribution agreement: (1) What territory […] The post Contracts Corner: Distribution Agreements appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

In a recent webinar, Alva Mather, Jacob Hollinger, Carl Fleming and Parker Lee guided attendees through the unique energy-related challenges and opportunities for alcoholic beverages companies presented by current megatrends relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG), carbon and sustainability. Some of the significant topics discuss included: Sustainability Trends Related Trapdoor Risks Sustainability Opportunities Across the Alcohol and Other Industries […] The post Key Takeaways | Going Green: Environmental and Sustainability Risks and Opportunities for A ..read more

Each year the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issues “Industry Circulars” that apply statutory or regulatory requirements to a “specific circumstance or set of facts” or restate existing requirements. TTB also uses Industry Circulars to announce new statutory requirements or to discuss certain corrective actions. The last few years have been relatively […] The post 2022 TTB Industry Circular 1: Consignment Sales appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

Due to the uptick in alcohol advertisement on social media platforms, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued guidance on advertising via social media and how TTB’s rules on advertising generally apply in this new and important context, as summarized below. TTB views an entire page or site as a single advertisement, […] The post 2022 TTB Industry Circular 2: Social Media Advertising appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

In the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) final Industry Circular of the year, they provided DSPs guidance on how to calculate effective tax rates for distilled spirits products eligible for the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) reduced tax rates, as well as providing importers with guidance on calculating and using effective tax […] The post TTB Industry Circular 3: Calculating Tax Rates and Tax Credits on Imported Distilled Spirits appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

The increasing popularity of online shopping is placing e-commerce businesses—specifically those in the alcohol beverage industry—in legal crosshairs. In lockstep with a recent uptick in website accessibility cases, plaintiff firms are sending pre-suit demand letters to alcohol suppliers and, in some cases, even filing a state or federal court lawsuit. These lawsuits—which are typically filed […] The post Alcohol Suppliers Hit with ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuits appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read 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 last several years and shows no signs of slowing down. Industry forecasts predict double-digit growth year-over-year until at least 2025 for alcohol-focused e-commerce platforms. However, […] The post The Expanding Landscape of Alcohol Delivery Services appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

As consumers continue to trend toward more health-conscious options, including in their choice of alcoholic beverages, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has responded with guidance on health-related marketing claims in a four-part weekly newsletter. The guidance is in response to what TTB categorized as an “increasing number of alcohol beverage advertisements…suggesting […] The post TTB Issues Four-Part Series on Health-Related Alcohol Marketing Claims appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, our women-led Alcohol Legal Team would like to make a toast to the future and to the women who have paved the way. Our team has worked in-house at some of the most well-known alcohol companies in the world. Led by Alva Mather, partner and head of the Alcohol […] The post A Toast to Celebrate Women’s History Month appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more

On February 9, 2022, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published a final rule that implements Phase 2 of its rulemaking modernizing certain labeling and advertising regulations for malt beverages and distilled spirits. This follows Phase 1, implemented on April 2, 2020, which undertook multiple liberalizing measures, including increasing the tolerance applicable […] The post TTB Publishes Phase 2 of Labeling and Advertising Modernization Rule appeared first on ALCOHOL LAW ADVISOR ..read more