Ted Zeller In the News: New Craft Beverage Tastes Run Afoul of Distribution Laws

Theodore J. Zeller III, Esquire, a Member of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Practice Group, recently wrote “New Craft Beverage Tastes Run Afoul of Distribution Laws,” which was published in The Legal Intelligencer.

The article addresses how craft breweries, wineries, and craft distilleries have changed the alcohol manufacturing industry through their creative, new craft beverages, including ciders, mead, hard seltzer, wine-based beverages, and canned cocktails. Zeller and Andersen discuss the legal implications for distribution purposes under the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and Pa.L.C.B. regulations.

“The difference in today’s industry is that there was a time when distilleries, wineries and breweries all competed for the same consumer but with distinct flavor profiles and marked ABV differentials. Now, the taste profiles have merged with similar ABV offerings yet, depending upon the category of manufacturer producing the product, the distribution channel can vary greatly.”

The article also discusses licensing and taxation, specifically referring to how the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s opinions and Pennsylvania taxes affect breweries, wineries, and distilleries differently. As the alcohol industry is rapidly changing and growing to new boundaries, the Norris McLaughlin liquor law, licensing, manufacturing, and distribution attorneys zealously follow the progression, consumer convenience, and distribution modernization of the craft beverage industry. Our lawyers are regularly called upon to assist legislators with statutory changes.

Click here to read the article on law.com or, if you do not have a subscription, read the full article here.