Pennsylvania Winery and Hospitality Lawyer » wine law

Lawmakers and Winemakers Look To Legalize Virtual Wineries

Judy Young — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:52:01 +0000

Significant changes may be coming to the wine industry beginning with Washington State. Winemakers are looking to legalize virtual wineries which currently have no defined place within the state’s liquor legislation landscape. Like Pennsylvania, Washington State is one of 18 states to retain monopoly on liquor sales. To read more on the Washington’s potential new winery license read here: Will Washington Legalize Virtual Wineries?

Will Pennsylvania Wine Consumers Swipe and Blow?

Judy Young — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:59:11 +0000

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has recently introduced it’s new vending machines aka “wine kiosks” to the Commonwealth. Customers must swipe their ID, blow into a breathalyzer, and look into a security camera to buy their wine. A State employee then verifies that you are who you say you are and that you are also sober. If you pass the swipe and blow test you are approved to buy wine.

Based on the success of a recent trial run of two test kiosks, the PLCB has just announced it will be adding over 100 kiosks in grocery stores all over the Commonwealth.

A big question still outstanding is whether Pennsylvania produced wines will make it into the wine kiosks for consumer purchase. After all, if its good for Pennsylvanians to “eat local”, then why not “drink local”?

What say you?

Pennsylvania Wineries: The Battle For Direct To Consumer Wine Shipping Continues

Judy Young — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:13:26 +0000

Proponents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s push for winery direct shipping laws will find this interesting. The lines in the sand are being drawn and the wine wars continue!

H.R. 5034 negatively affecting direct shipping of wine to consumers is gaining steam in Congress. An investigation by Wine Spectator reveals the campaign contributions from wholesalers fueling this battle. For more information read Wine Spectator’s: Support for Direct Shipping Restrictions Builds in Congress.

How Can Your Winery Or Hospitality Business Save Some Dough?

Judy Young — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:49:54 +0000

Unless you plan to spend a ton of money on legal fees defending your business against liquor liability claims this summer this is a good time as any, to pause and take note of a few useful tips.

As the summer approaches and the volume of customers at your establishment increases, its a good time to be vigilant and put a few best practices in place that are designed to limit your winery or restaurant’s potential liability related to the sale of alcohol at your facility.

Whether you’re serving alcohol in a tasting room, restaurant, wedding, catered event, bed and breakfast or bar, its important to remember that the person who serves the liquor is on the front line to limit your establishment’s liability and help your guests from over indulging.

Let’s review some useful tips that will help your establishment limit its potential liability as a result of alcohol service:

Check ID’s for all customers
Train your staff to recognize “visibly intoxicated persons”
Ensure that your employees do not drink on the job
Do not over-pour
Do not price alcohol too low so as to encourage heavy drinking
Do not allow self service at your event
Provide non-alcoholic beverages
Do not allow pets in the tasting room or catered event.
Purchase liquor liability insurance

As you entertain and educate your customers about your wines or your brand, you can also use these valuable customer contact opportunities to encourage your guests to drink responsibly. Your customers will appreciate the fact that when they leave your establishment, they are left with a sense of having been well cared for during their outing.

At the end of the day, you’ve kept them safe…and you’ve saved yourself some dough!

New Jersey Implements New Tasting Law Effective May 1, 2010

Judy Young — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:52:06 +0000

The State of New Jersey’s Division of Alcohol Bureau Control has recently announced new legislation to take effect on May 1, 2010 that in effect changes its existing law related to wine tastings. The new legislation modifies existing law regarding size, sampling, events and media advertising related to tastings. To learn more on this new statutory ruling read here: NJ Special Ruling Regarding 2010 Statutory Change To Tasting Law.

Does Liberalizing Wine Distribution Laws Yield A Better Outcome?

Judy Young — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:47:54 +0000

While many state activists and legislators are engaged in long-standing legislative dog fights to privatize wine distribution, I found this article to pose an interesting question as to whether or not privatization of the liquor industry will necessarily yield better outcomes. For a different perspective, read after the jump Tyler Colman’s: Will the Recession Liberalize Wine Laws?

The Wine Wars Continue

Judy Young — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:41:55 +0000

Local wineries are fighting back against the proposed federal legislation , H.R. 5034. This legislation is being backed by the National Beer Association. The legislation as proposed gives individual states the power to regulate alcohol sales and distribution. For a good read on this pending legislation, read Chris Rauber’s Wine Wars.

Do You Know About HR 5034?

Judy Young — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:54:53 +0000

Do you know about HR 5034? Learn more on how to “Free The Grapes”.

Are Pennsylvania Lawmakers Ready To Privatize Its Sale of Wine and Spirits?

Judy Young — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:58:30 +0000

Pennsylvania lawmaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, introduced legislation designed to create privitization of the wholesale and retail operations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Turzai said “Government should not be in the business of selling alcohol”. He believes Pennsylvania’s current system results in higher prices and less selection for consumers. For more information read: Turzai Introduces Legislation to Privatize Sale of Wine and Spirits.

A Local Winery Finds Self Distribution To Be The Answer

Judy Young — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:39:31 +0000

Here’s an interesting article on how a not so well established Napa winery took matters in its own hands to sell its wine in the New York and New Jersey markets when a big distributor failed to take him on as a client. For more information read: Local Winery Bypasses Distributors in New York and New Jersey.