Alcohol

Nutter’s Alcohol group brings extensive expertise in alcohol regulatory and distribution matters. Our practice spans the full lifecycle of a product, as we advise clients across the sector on product concepts, formulation, labeling, production, advertising, sales, marketing, distribution, commercial agreements, litigation, and M&A. Our clients include family wineries, craft brewers and distillers, national and international manufacturers and brand owners, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and third-party unlicensed companies that support or operate in the alcohol industry.

Navigating a highly regulated industry requires sophisticated legal counsel that can help mitigate risk and ensure compliance and operational success. Our team understands the complexities and nuances of federal, state, and local regulations governing the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in all 50 states. As a result of our team’s in-house experience, at one of the largest brewers in the U.S., we have a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the alcohol beverage sector. As such, we bring a practical, pragmatic approach, yielding holistic, business-minded solutions. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide clients with legal advice that helps support their business growth and strategy.

Whether a company is creating a cross-category or complex collaboration product, working to share and sell data across tiers, utilizing social media, or adapting to new PFAS regulations, our team is poised to help clients fit innovative concepts into a regulatory framework that didn’t contemplate these types of innovation. 

While our focus has always been within the alcohol industry, given the cutting-edge trends and market developments, our team also understands the intricacies of non-alcohol and FDA regulated products and general issues facing the industry. As the industry evolves with changing consumer preferences and emerging trends, you need legal counsel that stays abreast of evolving laws and regulations. Continuous education and adaptation are vital for successfully guiding clients through the shifting landscape. Together, we help our clients remain competitive and compliant in a dynamic market.

Nutter’s Alcohol team works closely with the firm’s Food and Beverage group.

Our Expertise

Alcohol Regulatory

• Production and facility regulatory compliance
• Sourcing and production commercial agreements
• Formula and labeling compliance
• Licensing
• Marketing and advertising compliance
• Trade practice compliance
• Transactional due diligence
• Litigation support
• Federal, state, and local investigation support

Alcohol Distribution

• Alcohol franchise
• Drafting and negotiating distribution agreements
• Managing and advising on alcohol distribution litigation

General Expertise

• Food and beverage transactional due diligence support
• Commercial agreements (direct and indirect)
• FDA GRAS certification
• FDA labeling
• Advertising and marketing compliance
• Social media and influencer compliance
• Sweepstakes and promotion compliance
• Commercial co-venture and charitable contribution compliance

Professionals

Related Industries

Related Areas