Alcohol & Hospitality
Adams & Reese has a nationally recognized and ranked alcohol and hospitality practice. Our attorneys have a well-deserved reputation as the go-to attorneys for Federal and Tennessee alcoholic beverage law, with alcohol and hospitality expertise across the Southeast.
In addition, our attorneys have expert connections across all 50 states and DC to assist product manufacturers, distributors, and service providers in navigating regulatory landscapes and securing operational permits.
INDUSTRY CLIENTS
Adams & Reese alcohol and hospitality attorneys work with clients across the three tiers — manufacturing (breweries, distilleries, and wineries), wholesalers, and retailers (bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.). Our team assists with licensing, regulatory compliance, labeling laws, legislation, and special events. Our attorneys have secured approvals for numerous high-profile and startup brands, accelerating their growth across the country.
We represent clients across the supply chain, including:
- Airports
- Alcohol distributors and retailers
- Bars, restaurants, and food halls
- Breweries
- Celebrities and public figures licensing their names
- Concert venues
- Distilleries
- Festivals
- Industry trade associations
- Sponsorships and marketing entities
- Sports stadiums and arenas
- Wineries
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Clients rely on Adams & Reese to negotiate and draft contract production and bottling agreements, warehousing and bailment agreements, alternating proprietorship agreements and alternating proprietorship licensing, to structure and draft celebrity endorsements, and to resolve dual interest and three-tier issues.
Our attorneys remove the obstacles that hinder growth, from navigating multi-jurisdictional licensing processes to addressing the compliance risks associated with new products. We craft solutions that advance business objectives, safeguard intellectual property and proprietary information, advise clients on corporate structure and tax considerations, assist in site acquisition, and represent them in complex transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions.
On the regulatory compliance and licensing side, we represent clients before the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), local boards, and state alcoholic beverage commissions. On the legislative side, we draft and lobby for legislation tailored to client needs, such as enabling alcohol sales in venues like movie theaters, small boats, or pedal taverns.
We provide forward-looking guidance by advising on trends impacting the industry, including non-alcoholic beverages, THC- and CBD-infused products, and “ready to drink” beverages like seltzers. Our involvement in organizations like the Tennessee Distiller’s Guild and the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators keeps us at the forefront of issues and legislative changes.
Tennessee's go-to liquor lawyer Will Cheek offers timely insights into alcohol laws through the Last Call blog.
Industry Representation
Licensing for 280+ Convenience Stores
Represented nationwide convenience store chain and a convenience store owner and operator with the purchase of a competitor, including 100+ stores in Tennessee and Alabama. Our team assisted with the alcoholic beverage licensing for 180+ stores in Tennessee and another 100+ stores in neighboring states.
Opening the First Restaurant at a Tennessee Distillery
We assisted the first Tennessee distillery with opening a distilled spirits plant and accompanying restaurant. The proposed distillery was in a dry county for restaurants, and we drafted special liquor licensing legislation. We implemented a distillery trust and eliminated other three-tier issues to legalize the operation of a restaurant on the distillery premises.
Assisting International Hotel Chain
Licensing for 280+ Convenience Stores
Represented nationwide convenience store chain and a convenience store owner and operator with the purchase of a competitor, including 100+ stores in Tennessee and Alabama. Our team assisted with the alcoholic beverage licensing for 180+ stores in Tennessee and another 100+ stores in neighboring states.
Opening the First Restaurant at a Tennessee Distillery
We assisted the first Tennessee distillery with opening a distilled spirits plant and accompanying restaurant. The proposed distillery was in a dry county for restaurants, and we drafted special liquor licensing legislation. We implemented a distillery trust and eliminated other three-tier issues to legalize the operation of a restaurant on the distillery premises.
Assisting International Hotel Chain
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