Beer, Wine, and Spirits Law
ABOUT CAROLINE
The beverage alcohol industry is a dynamic industry with innovative members. Liquor control laws and regulations are complex, never contemplated today’s economy and therefore regularly change. Industry members regularly come up with innovative new products and business models to sell those products. In the last two decades, we have seen the rise of the craft industry, including the creation of tap and tasting rooms, new sales models via direct shipping, e-commerce and most recently, the legalization, even if only on a temporary basis, of cocktail to go. However, commonplace it may have become, alcohol remains subject to state and federal controls. Existing licensees must comply with federal, state and sometimes local laws, and new entrants must navigate a patchwork set of state and federal rules that never contemplated modern business models.
Caroline has over 20 years of legal experience helping clients navigate beverage alcohol licensing and compliance requirements at the local, state and federal levels. Caroline understands that business owners need to focus on operating their business and strives to help existing industry members and new entrants find effective and practical ways to implement their business models within the existing regulatory framework.
Education:
Boston University Law School, JD 1998
University of Pennsylvania, BA 1995
Bar Admissions:
MA 1998, NY 2000, D. Mass 2020, DC - pending
Professional Associations:
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National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, Industry Representative 2018-2020, Co-Chair, Planning Committee for Reno, NV Conference in 2021.
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National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals
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International Wine Law Association
PRACTICE AREAS
Operating an beverage alcohol business requires compliance with numerous state and federal laws.
Licensing
Assists retailers, hospitality industry members, wholesalers, brewers, wineries, distillers and other beverage alcohol producers, third party providers and direct shippers with local, state and federal licensing and permitting.
Violation Defense and Compliance
Regulatory compliance including trade practice training and operational guidance for licensees operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Trade Practice
Advises on trade practice compliance at the state and federal level. Assists with inter-tier relationships, franchise law compliance, things of value and wholesale, supplier and retailer relationships. Helps licensees run legally compliant sponsorships, promotional and marketing programs are legally compliant.
Commercial Transactions
Corporate formation and structuring, shareholder agreements, mergers and acquisitions, asset and stock purchase agreements, leases, alcoholic beverage industry specific agreements including distribution and import agreements, contract production, management agreements, intellectual property licensing agreements.
