Liquor Law Blog

New Jersey’s alcoholic beverage manufacturers have been looking for more support from the state government, and this month, wineries and vineyards received some good news.  Recognizing the rise of agrotourism and increased interest for locally-made alcoholic beverages, New Jersey has enacted a new law requiring the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide a loan program for wineries and vineyards. » Read More

Relax.  You may not always need a COLA to register your brand in New Jersey.

In a prior post, we talked about the need to obtain a COLA for New Jersey brand registration per New Jersey regulations, even if the brand is sold intrastate only, or just in your taproom (and therefore would not require a COLA under federal law).  » Read More

On October 12, 2018, I spoke at The Brewers of Pennsylvania 4th Annual Mid Atlantic Brewers’ Symposium about inspections of breweries by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”).  These inspections are still relatively new to breweries, but it is imperative that every brewery is prepared and compliant for the inevitable day the FDA comes to visit.  » Read More

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (Pa.L.C.B.) has announced the eighth restaurant liquor license auction, which is permitted under Act 39 of 2016.  These auctions are for “zombie licenses” that have been expired and in possession of the Pa.L.C.B. dating back to the year 2000.  » Read More

Liquor law attorneys Matthew B. Andersen, Esquire, and Theodore J. Zeller III, Esquire were quoted in a number of publications discussing the impact the government shutdown is having on breweries, wineries, and distilleries as well as Pennsylvania’s proposed sales tax on brewery sales. » Read More

Holders of Seasonal Retail Consumption licenses may sell alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption during either the summer season (May 1 – November 14) or the winter season (November 15 – April 30).  On December 17, 2018, Governor Murphy signed into law an amendment to the Seasonal Retail Consumption license statute that now allows licensees to obtain one-day permits during the off-season. » Read More

Theodore J. Zeller III, Esquire, a Member of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Liquor Law Practice Group, was quoted in The Morning Call as general counsel to the Brewers of Pennsylvania regarding the new brewery sales tax bulletin from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue that it is pushing to take effect on July 1, 2019.  » Read More

Our restaurant clients – those who do not have a liquor license – frequently ask us about the BYOB rules in New Jersey.  What types of alcoholic beverages can customers consume on the premises?  (Wine and beer only.)  Can I charge a “corkage” or “service” fee to those bringing their own beer or wine to my restaurant?  » Read More

As described in more detail by our colleagues, “New Jersey Tax Amnesty – A Timely Gift from the State of NJ,” this holiday season, the New Jersey Division of Taxation is affording New Jersey businesses the chance to pay back certain taxes with no penalty and only one-half of the interest. » Read More

In Pennsylvania, consumers have enjoyed the benefits of new packaging opportunities offered by Pennsylvania Distributor Licenses under recent, dynamic changes to the Pennsylvania Liquor Code.  We have chronicled those changes previously in many different blogs including our slushy blog, which you can access here.  » Read More