We are all facing an unprecedented situation. As COVID-19 continues to spread, there’s nothing more important to us than the well-being of our clients. Pennsylvania Winery and Hospitality Lawyer has operated virtually for over a decade and we will continue to do so throughout these difficult times. Trust that you will be able to reach us so that we may continue to serve your legal, contract, or business needs that are important to your wine or hospitality business.
While these times are unprecedented and circumstances are fluid, we also know that they are temporary. We are inspired to see our people and community coming together. Please take care of yourselves, your family and the ones you love. We look forward to serving you.
Judy M. Young, Esq.
Principal, Pennsylvania Winery and Hospitality Lawyer
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Of particular interest, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has created a new direct wine shipper license (DWS) wherein a wine manufacturer may ship up to 36 cases of wine to Pennsylvania residents within a calendar year for personal use regardless whether produced in Pennsylvania, another state, or country. All wine however must be transported via a Pennsylvania licensed transporter-for-hire.
The big news of course it that those entities holding a restaurant or hotel license, the new law allows for the sale of wine up to three liters per single transaction, a matter of interest to the growing number of grocery stores.
Act 39 expands the availability of special exposition permits for Pennsylvania ciders, breweries, and distilleries which where historically only available to Pennsylvania Limited Wineries.
For more on this new change in law click here: Summary of Changes In Alcohol Law in PA.
]]>I know some of you are contemplating taking the plunge this year to establish your own winery or wine based business. If so, this is a great time to lay your foundation towards developing a successful winery or wine and hospitality based business by creating your business plan.
Creating a business plan forces you to focus on identifying your goals and objectives as well as how to set plans on how to reach them. In other words, where do you see your business 1 year from now, 3 years from now, or even 5 years from now? Who are your customers? What specific products will you offer? Have you identified your competition? What are your start up costs and sources of funds? What is your mission? Who is your target market? How will you manage the local, state, and federal regulations governing the business of alcohol? Exactly how will your business take shape in 2016?
These are just a few questions to think about when starting your own winery, wine or hospitality based business. As the beginning of the year unfolds, use this time to build your business plan and set achievable goals. Your business plan will keep you on the right track in 2016 and the years to follow.
]]>Millennial hospitality and wine business entrepreneurs who have struggled to find access to capital are relying now on more organic ways to fund their wine and hospitality businesses. One such way is by pursuing alternative crowd-funding financing. Crowd-funding, also known as peer-to peer lending, is a popular and growing alternative method of raising money.
Unlike an angel investment in which one person typically takes a larger stake in a small business, crowd-funding attracts a crowd of people, each of who take a small stake in a business by contributing towards an online funding target. Its main benefit is the creation of a strong network of support for your business. Your investors often become your evangelists for your brand.
On such crowd funding source is Kickstarter (www.kickstarter.com). Typically there is no cost to launch a crowd-funding campaign. If you business is successful in its funding, Kickstarter takes a small fee plus payment processing. If your campaign fails, there are no fees.
Crowd-funding can provide a fantastic opportunity but it should not be taken lightly. You may wish to contact your lawyer or CPA for professional assistance. For more help and information on this alternative financing source, you should also consult the Small Business Administration’s (www.SBA.GOV) online course on Crowdfunding for Entrepreneurs.
Now go out there and “show me the money.”
]]>The PLCB’s recent changes underway allow for the selling of a 12-pack of beer or less with food orders from businesses that have a “Transporter-for Hire” License. The purchase of beer must be processed in advance in the store prior to delivery. In other words, the beer has to be paid for over the phone with a credit card. Proper ID must be provided in an effort to avoid selling to minors.
This new change comes as good news to many restaurants and businesses hoping to boost their profit margins. For more, see below:
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