The information for this article can be read here. The Brewers Association has had a very busy January! First, they released a seal for supporters of independent craft beer. Anyone can use the seal, such as retailers, distributors, homebrew shops, state brewers’ guild, festivals, individual people, etc. If you’re not a brewer, then this seal…
*Please keep in mind that this is information is specific to North Carolina law. Contact an attorney in your state to find out specific information about this. House Bill 500 (HB 500) from the North Carolina General Assembly has been presented to Governor Roy Cooper for his signature. The Bill contains several changes to ABC…
*Please keep in mind that this is information is specific to North Carolina law. Contact an attorney in your state to find out specific information about this. *This information is provided by the NC Craft Brewers Guild. Read the original article here. Did you know that there are new FDA (Food and Drug Administration) labeling…
*Please keep in mind that this is information is specific to North Carolina law. Contact an attorney in your state to find out specific information about this. *This information is provided by the NC Craft Brewers Guild. Read the original article here. North Carolina now allows breweries and distilleries to be featured on highway road…
*Please keep in mind that this is information is specific to North Carolina law. Contact an attorney in your state to find out specific information about this. *This information is provided by the NC Craft Brewers Guild. Read the original article here. As many of you know, if you have an On-Premise Malt Beverage permit…
We have a HUGE announcement! We are so proud to announce the arrival of John’s book, Beer Law: What Brewers Need to Know After three years of dedicated hard work, it has finally hit the shelves! John’s book is available on Amazon and through our office. To buy the book through Beer Law Center contact…
Everything you need to know and probably more than you want to know about kombucha. I admit, I don’t think we have a client that produces kombucha. But, there must be a brewer out there who wants to know more about kombucha. Here you go: What is kombucha? Kombucha refers to a fermented beverage produced…
For this blog post I want to talk about two forms that are pretty standard for a TTB application, regardless of whether or not you’re a distillery or brewery. The forms are the Power of Attorney form and the Signing Authority form-both of which are linked below. What are the Power of Attorney and Signing…
Much like everything with alcohol it’s complicated. The ABC (specifically North Carolina General Statute §18-B-303 & §18B-400) details the exact rules, amounts, and volume of alcohol you can transport without getting a permit. I’ve divided alcohol into three categories: (1) beer, (2) unfortified wine, and (3) spirituous liquor & fortified wine. You do NOT need…
This week’s blog post might be a real downer to some of you who look forward to happy hour. *North Carolina does NOT allow happy hour for alcohol. Eating establishments can offer happy hour for food only. See ABC Rule 2S.0232 (b). The ABC Commission has compiled “Happy Hours FAQs” that sheds some light on…
Breweries want to advertise their products and their beer. There is a correct way to advertise products and a-not-so-legal way to promote your business and beer. Check out the FAQs surrounding advertising. A PDF was created by the NC ABC. Can I place a dry erase board outside my business to advertise beer or wine…
Information for this blog post can be found here. Be smart about how you advertise and market your beer. Common sense is important here. Always portray drinking beer in a responsible way. Beer advertising and marketing materials should NOT: Portray, encourage, or condone drinking and driving; Depict situations where beer is being consumed excessively, involuntarily,…
The information for this blog post can be found here. You have probably heard of the independent craft brewers seal created by the Brewers Association. The seal might already be on your beers. But what is this seal and what does this seal represent? The idea of placing the seal on your beer label…
Compliance with Alcohol Part 5 of our Festival blog series. Check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 Are you compliant? Hopefully, yes. If not, hopefully these rules can help you. Serving alcohol in general follows a lot of strict rules. Below is a list of guidelines that breweries must follow to…
Compliance at Festivals in NC: Quality Control Tasting & Attire Part 4 of our Festival blog series. Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 Are you compliant? Hopefully, yes. If not, hopefully these rules can help you. We’ve (mostly the ABC) have broken down compliance issues into four parts: pre-festival/event, staffing at the festival/event, quality…
Part 2 of our Festivals series blog posts. Check out Part 1. For this blog post we highlight the differences between two commonly used permits: the Malt Beverage Special Event Permit and the Winery Special Event Permit. Malt Beverage Special Event Permit If you have a Malt Beverage Special Event Permit you are allowed to…
USPTO Trademark Registration The difference between a standard trademark application versus an Intent to Use application. We always get a lot of questions regarding trademarks, about the registration process, and the different types of trademark applications. Watch the video to learn more about the USPTO and how to register trademarks. Contact…
What are they? Do I need a permit? What does the label look like? So many questions, and hopefully this article will help clear up some confusion. Growlers are a rigid glass, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel container with a flip-top or screw-on lid that is no larger than two 2 liters (0.5283 gallons) into…
What is it and FAQs *This article ONLY pertains to private clubs in North Carolina. I stumbled upon this helpful “Frequently Asked Questions” pamphlet that the NC ABC Commission wrote. Click here to read more FAQs. Underlined portions are added for emphasis. The link to the original PDF is below. A private club is an…
Just when you thought you were done with the TTB. . . . It is extremely important to keep the TTB informed about any major changes to your brewery, winery, or distillery. Anytime you have a “significant change” you need to update your Brewers Notice with a TTB Amendment. A “significant change” is generally: A…