We have recently heard a lot of talk from Neo-Prohibitionist about the dangers of alcohol and from the WHO that health risk starts from the first drop. Governments in other countries such as Canada have recommended stringent drinking limits and indicated that health is put at risk with more than two drinks a week. In Ireland graphic health labels will one day soon become a fixture of alcohol bottles. Some wonder, when is this coming to the shores of America? What is not discussed are the positives of the alcohol industry in America. First, let’s start off with a couple of principles, d ..read more

I had the pleasure on April 13th to attend the opening of Downtown Chicago’s Craft Brewery, Industry Ales, which represents the only real craft brewery in downtown Chicago. I have worked to get them licensed and helped create their brand of “Chicago’s Downtown Beer”. It has been a great pleasure and honor to be part of this process. Everyone should visit them at 230 S. Wabash. They will infuse a shot of adrenaline that South Wabash needs. The place looks amazing and the food is fantastic!   Support your local businesses   Irish Liquor Lawyer with Industry Ales founders Matt Wie ..read more

  Previously, I gave a synopsis of important liquor bills in Illinois. Today, I provide an update. There is also a new bill on hemp regulation. SB 3926-Would ban the sale of hemp products to anyone under 21 and require testing of hemp products. Concerns are arising because when infused with Delta 8, hemp products can become an intoxicant. Would also create a “hemp consumer products processor” and “hemp consumer products retailer” license. Status-Introduced on April 10, 2024. SB 3359– Update-The bill has two amendments. 1. Would make third-party retailer deliver exclusive state and local ..read more

  In a recent piece by New York health advocates, they went after any proposed consumer friendly changes to the New York liquor system. They stated that “any efforts to expand alcohol access in the name of consumer convenience, or private profit, should be suspended indefinitely.” They attempt to strengthen their position by relying on stats that alcohol related deaths increased 29% from 2017 to 2021. In their opinion “ Legalizing alcohol shipping direct to the home will not only pour gas on the fire that is threatening public health, but it will also contribute to increased underage con ..read more

  Happy Hour comes to Indiana The Governor signed into law legislation that brings back Happy Hour to Indiana after nearly a 40-year hiatus. The new law takes effect on July 1, 2024. Happy hour is limited to four hours in one day, and fifteen hours in one week. The four hours in a day can be divided into nonconsecutive periods. Price reductions are prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The new law also bans certain practices. It would prohibit a retailer from running or sponsoring a contest where the contest is determined on the amount of alcohol consumed, or maintain a ..read more

  The harms from excessive alcohol abuse are a serious problem that society needs to address. There are great concerns which range from underage access to intoxicated drivers. These great concerns are why alcohol is regulated differently than an average consumer good, such as marshmallows. Luckily, unlike the days of prohibition, we are a more educated society and have greater resources to fight this great problem, which includes not only education but data. When deciding whether to expand and offer another avenue in which to obtain alcohol, the policymaker should judge whether the new a ..read more

  PepsiCo has called it a day for Blue Cloud Distribution and will be getting out of the liquor distribution business. This represents a major victory for the wholesale tier. PepsiCo had leased its IP to Boston Beer to make a Hard Mountain Dew, and also leased some of its other brands such as Lipton Hard Ice Tea. There were numerous claims thrown at Blue Cloud such as it was crossing tiers and acting as a wholesaler and a manufacturer. They were never a manufacturer so the claim was hyperbole. The other claim is PepsiCo would use slotting fees from its other non-alcoholic products such a ..read more

  Wisconsin’s amended liquor legislation made some positive changes but major problems still exist. Recently Wisconsin amended SB 268 so that revocation of a common carrier’s permit after two mistakes is no longer the standard. The new legislation changes the mandatory “shall” standard to the “may” discretionary standard. However, even with this positive amendment, this law as written still targets the American wine industry. The amendments failed to address a major problem, the law’s attack on fulfillment houses. The amendment provides relief for common carriers but still leaves fulfill ..read more

  Wisconsin adopted an Amendment SB 268, the bill which set out to shut off DTC shipping into the State of Wisconsin. Under the Amendment, the language changes from shall revoke a common carrier permit to may revoke a common carrier permit. The language’s impact changes it from a mandatory revocation of a permit after two mistakes to providing the division discretion to consider the impact of revoking a common carrier’s permit. Further, language was added that if the common carrier engages in repeated and negligent shipping practices involving alcohol, it may have its permit revoked by t ..read more

  Recently Wisconsin passed legislation signed into law that represents the greatest attack on the American wine industry in recent times and will cause great harm to American Wines. The American wine industry is dominated by great wine states such as California, Washington, and Oregon. However, every other state has their niche wine countries and states such as Ohio, Virginia, and Michigan rank in the top ten of wine producing states.[1] There are 752 million gallons of wine produced in the United States[2] and over 11,600 American wineries. 82% of these wineries are considered very sma ..read more