As previously reported, the ABT has adopted a new policy requiring all taproom license applications to be reviewed in the Tallahassee district office. The new policy was announced in an email from Marie Fraher, the ABT’s Chief of Licensing, in an email to ABT licensing personnel. We obtained a copy of Ms. Fraher’s email by public records request, and...
Continue ReadingThree new breweries join the ranks of Florida breweries, and monthly retail sales were up in November 2014. Monthly Highlights Three new breweries are included in this edition of The Florida Brewery Report: Stilt House Brewery in Palm Harbor, Bowigens Beer Company in Casselberry, and Barley Mow Brewing Company‘s new production brewery in Largo. In November 2014, the total...
Continue ReadingShortly after before the Florida Independent Spirits Association (FISA) and the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) filed lawsuits accusing the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) of improperly licensing Florida brewery taprooms (discussed in Q&A for Breweries: The FISA Lawsuit), the ABT quietly changed its procedure for how brewery applications are to be handled.
Continue ReadingWhat does the lawsuit by Florida Independent Spirits Association (FISA) mean for Florida’s existing breweries and breweries-in-process? Our take on January 14, 2015 is contained in this Q&A.
Continue ReadingLabels on alcoholic beverage containers must comply with both U.S. and Florida laws and regulations. The reason these laws exist is to ensure container labels accurately represent the beverage inside. Beverage manufacturers must include specific information on the product labels. Florida manufacturers must also comply with the Florida Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco’s (ABT) label registration process and, in some...
Continue ReadingI am personally inviting you to Florida Craft’s Kickoff Event, Wednesday, October 15, from 5 pm to 8 pm at Redlight Redlight in Orlando. As many of you know, the Brewers’ Law team has for the last year been deeply focused on helping Florida beverage manufacturers—brewers, winemakers, and distillers—with the legal and regulatory steps for launching and operating their...
Continue ReadingStarting a new beverage manufacturing business takes more than a good beverage, it takes money. Selling ownership shares in your business is an attractive source of start-up funding, but it’s risky. When you take money from investors in exchange for ownership, two things are true. First, your investors expect you to deliver on your promises about the success of...
Continue ReadingIn her August 1, 2014 column, Orlando Sentinel columnist Beth Kassab celebrates Central Florida’s growing number of breweries and the support they’re getting from local government officials. At the same time, Ms. Kassab takes aim at Florida’s state-level politicians, most of whom haven’t given much help or attention to Florida breweries.
Continue ReadingIt’s Christmas in July! A second Florida Breweries Report this month. Notes about The Florida Breweries Report The Florida Breweries Report reflects information about each brewery’s reported retail sales, as reflected on the ABT’s monthly wholesale reports for May 2014, the most recent information available. Full production and sales numbers (both retail and wholesale, for production breweries) are not...
Continue ReadingChoosing the location for your new Florida brewery, winery, or distillery is a big moment in the life of your beverage business. Before making a final decision, answer these five questions about the location.
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