International & National vs State & Local

If you’ve done any research on developing a business around Craft Beer, you know that there are many many laws and regulations that have to be obeyed just to stay in business. Some of those laws are at the Federal level (good in all states) and some are at the State and Local level (specific to your location in the US).

Attorneys are licensed by the State they practice in and can only help you with State specific stuff if they’re licensed in your state. Make sense? For example, if I’m licensed in North Carolina, I can’t advise you on California law unless I’m licensed there also. But, all licensed attorneys are responsible for Federal law because… well, because it’s good in any state.

I explain all of that to say that if your business is in North Carolina, I can probably help you with anything. But, if your business is in another state, I can only help you with certain areas of the law, for the other areas I would have to refer you to a local lawyer.

State Local National | Beer Law Center

National vs. State

It’s not as easy as it sounds. Federal laws apply throughout the US, but they set the “floor” not the “ceiling.” States can have requirements that are more stringent than the federal law, but not less stringent. That creates a possibility where the federal rule may apply in some situations, but the state rule in others. Even more, the federal government (mostly) allows the states to regulate the selling of alcohol, while the federal government focuses on regulating the production and supply side. Of course, there are exceptions to that too. Bottom line: It’s important to have a resource you can trust to guide you through the tangled web of federal and state laws and regulations!

Range of Services we can Provide

So, here’s what I can do for you –

State / Local

  • Contracts
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Intellectual Property
  • Trademark
  • Federal Licensing
  • TTB and COLA Approval
  • Confidentiality Agreements
  • Non-Compete Agreements
  • State Regulations
  • Permitting (ABC)
  • Leases
  • Purchasing Agreements
  • State/Local Licensing
  • Zoning and Permitting
  • Bus & Corp Formation
  • Business Licensing

International / National

  • Contracts
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Intellectual Property
  • Trademark
  • Federal Licensing
  • TTB and COLA Approval
  • Confidentiality Agreements
  • Non-Compete Agreements