In 2024, Florida’s laws concerning the sales of alcoholic products for off-premises consumption are confusing. Who can sell what depends greatly on (a) what’s in the product, (b) who packaged it, and (c) what Florida alcoholic beverage license is held by the seller. These tables are intended to briefly summarize the current status of Florida law when it comes...
Continue ReadingThrowing holiday parties or wedding receptions at a brewery, winery, or craft distillery in Florida can be a fantastic way to draw in guests and showcase your local drinks. But sometimes, event planners want more variety than what’s made on-site or what you’re allowed to sell in the taproom or tasting room. For example, someone organizing a holiday party...
Continue ReadingThe Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (the “ABT”)’s Declaratory Statement involving the placement of digital advertising devises in alcoholic beverage retail stores may have important implications for the future of in-store advertising of alcoholic beverage products in Florida. In 2015, the ABT issued Declaratory Statement 2015-054 in response to the petition filed by Food & Beverage Innovations,...
Continue ReadingUnderstanding the legal responsibilities that come with operating establishments such as bars, restaurants, taprooms, and tasting rooms is essential for ensuring smooth operations while upholding principles of fairness and inclusivity. In this post, we’ll delve into the intricate terrain of anti-discrimination laws in the United States, with a particular focus on Florida, shedding light on permissible reasons for refusing...
Continue ReadingOpening a 6-liter Methusaleh bottle of Veuve Clicquout Brut Champagne at your next family or friends gathering in Florida would certainly make a statement! It’s not just about the luxury of the champagne, but also the symbolism of breaking free from restrictive laws and embracing a spirit of celebration and freedom. Since the House and Senate approved Rep. Chip...
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to alcohol beverage tastings in Florida, the rules are different for beer, wine, and liquor. For this purpose, a “tasting” is an even at which a sample of the alcoholic product is given directly to an individual customer for free. Generally, customers cannot be charged for the sample (but exceptions for Florida Farm Wineries and craft...
Continue ReadingIn recent years, cocktails have surged in popularity, becoming a staple in bars and restaurants. From classic concoctions like the Old Fashioned to trendy mixes like the Espresso Martini, consumers are eager to sample a variety of flavors and combinations. Even wine and beer cocktails have found their place on menus, with favorites like the Mimosa and Michelada captivating...
Continue ReadingAlcoholic beverage suppliers in Florida–whether manufacturers, importers, or broker-sales agents–are limited in the ways that they can get their products into the market. Generally, suppliers must sell their products to licensed distributors, and distributors must sell their products to licensed retail vendors. So how do suppliers introduce new alcoholic beverage products to Florida retail vendors? One way is to...
Continue ReadingThe United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit recently ruled that the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) waited too long–by 16 years–to try to change a district court ruling that allows out-of-state wine retailers to sell and deliver wine directly to Florida consumers. See Bainbridge vs Director of the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages...
Continue ReadingFlorida has its own unique rules and regulations when it comes to selling alcoholic beverages. One of the most intriguing aspects of Florida’s alcohol industry is the concept of quota licenses. In this post, we’ll explore the valuable property rights associated with these licenses and what happens when creditors get involved. Three Categories of Florida Alcoholic Beverage Vendor Licenses...
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