Low-alcohol wines have become an increasingly popular category within the broader beverage market. Consumers are often drawn to these products for their lower alcohol content, reduced calorie profile, and convenience—particularly when packaged in smaller, more portable formats suited for casual,
Alcohol & Food Law
The Alcohol & Food Law blog, published by Lindsey Zahn P.C., focuses on legal issues related to the alcohol industry, including regulatory compliance for alcohol distribution, licensing requirements for breweries and importers, and the impact of franchise laws on winery-distributor relationships. It covers federal and state regulations such as those enforced by the New York State Liquor Authority and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The blog also addresses advertising and marketing compliance, including social media regulations for alcohol brands. It provides guidance on navigating complex licensing processes, contract negotiations, and ongoing compliance obligations within the alcohol beverage sector.
Blog Authors
Latest from Alcohol & Food Law
Has Your TTB Permit Changed Since Approval? What to Know About Amendments
If your federal permit was approved some time ago, there is a strong possibility that your business has evolved since then. Changes to ownership, operations, location, or structure are common as companies grow—and many of these changes must be reported…
How to Select the Right Distributor for Your Alcohol Beverage Brand — Part 2
This article is the second in our series on selecting a distributor for your alcohol beverage product. In Part 1, we covered foundational considerations such as size, geographic scope, and go-to-market strategy. Here, we turn to several additional—and often…
Planning to Sell Your Distillery? Legal Considerations to Address Early
The sale of a distillery is not a routine business transaction. It involves transferring a federally bonded operation, regulated production activities, valuable intellectual property, distribution relationships, and often significant real estate and equipment. Because distilled spirits are subject to strict…
How to Select a Distributor for Your Alcohol Beverage Brand — Part 1
In the United States, the alcohol industry largely operates under the three-tier system, which separates producers, distributors, and retailers. As a result, nearly every brand—whether emerging or established—will eventually need to partner with a distributor to bring its products…
Thinking About Selling Your Brewery? Key Legal Considerations
A brewery sale is not a standard business exit. It involves transferring a federally bonded operation with regulatory approvals, production assets, distribution relationships, intellectual property, and often significant real estate and equipment. Because brewing is a highly regulated industry, the…
How to Obtain a NYSLA Winery License
Starting a winery in New York involves more than securing grapes and equipment — it requires careful navigation of the state’s alcohol licensing framework. The New York wine industry offers meaningful opportunities for producers, but the licensing process must be…
Thinking About Selling Your Winery? Key Legal Considerations
Selling a winery is not just a business transaction — it is the transfer of a highly regulated operation with layered assets, licenses, intellectual property, real estate, inventory, and brand equity. Whether you are exploring a full exit or bringing…
Alternating Proprietorship vs. Contract Brewing: Choosing the Right Path for Your Beer Brand
For entrepreneurs entering the beer industry, one of the earliest structural decisions is how — and where — your beer will be produced. Two common models dominate the conversation: alternating proprietorship and contract brewing.
While both allow brands to avoid…