Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP

Our attorneys work closely with producers, wholesalers, and retailers to address a myriad of complex legal issues confronting the alcoholic beverages and hospitality industry.

While our attorneys regularly handle licensing and compliance matters unique to this industry, and have substantial experience defending enforcement proceedings before the New York State Liquor Authority, the Firm’s multi-disciplinary practice allows our attorneys to service virtually all of our client’s legal needs. Our representation often includes not only industry-specific representation, but representation in areas common to all businesses, including labor and employment, land use, tax, real estate, and corporate transactional matters. We strive to provide innovative and customized solutions for each of our clients.

Craft Beverages

With a record number of craft breweries, distilleries, cideries, wineries and meaderies, New York State is a leader in the craft beverage industry. While state and federal laws continue to be modernized in support of craft beverages, the industry remains highly regulated, and participants must navigate a complex web of laws including:

• NYS Craft New York Act
• Franchise Laws
• Food Safety Modernization Act
• Craft Beverage Modernization Tax Reform Act
• NYS ABC laws

Our attorneys are well versed with these laws and regulations, and work closely with the organizations that regulate the craft beverage industry such as the US Tax and Trade Bureau, FDA, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, OSHA, NYS DEC, NYS DOH and NFPA.

Whether new to the market, expanding production, or winding down, owners of participants in the craft beverage industry require sophisticated legal counsel that can provide a broad array of legal services to their businesses. Our attorneys represent manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, providing ongoing legal counsel on matters related to:

• Business formation and operation
• Licensing
• Compliance and Regulation
• Labeling, Trademarks and Trade Secrets
• Defense Against Administrative or Enforcement Actions
• Corporate Governance
• Federal and State Taxation
• Labor and Employment
• Environmental, Land Use and Water Laws
• Real Estate
• Contract negotiation
• Equipment and Financing

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna maintains a diverse practice, providing a broad range of services with a special emphasis on matters relating to the intersection of the public and private sectors. Much of the Firm's work involves the representation of entities that are regulated or otherwise affected by public policy and public bodies.