Liquor Law

SAFELY NAVIGATING LIQUOR LAW

Liquor law is a niche practice area. Attorney Peter Berdon is one of the best known liquor law attorneys in Connecticut. He is experienced in every aspect of state and federal law which applies to the sale, distribution and manufacture of wine, beer and spirits.

As past president of the Wine and Spirits Advisory Council and Past Executive Director and General Counsel of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, attorney Berdon has more than 24 years’ industry experience. Berdon is a member of the National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys.

Sellers, distributors and manufacturers of wine, beer and spirits need to obtain and maintain necessary state and federal permits. The application of complex state and federal laws and regulations, and often the intersection of local zoning, fire and health regulations mean the assistance of skilled liquor lawyer is essential. A lawyer familiar with the industry and the rules and regulations underlying it is your best protection against costly surprises and delays.

Solutions for Package Stores, Restaurants, Hotels and other retailers:

  • Obtaining liquor permits and health licenses. We handle every aspect of the application process. We represent clients before state and local liquor authorities. Amending state liquor licenses to reflect changes in ownership and control.
  • Advising on franchise issues.
  • Representation and counsel in compliance proceedings and administrative hearings.
  • Advising and assisting with acquisition and sale of existing businesses. We also identify potential buyers and sellers.
  • Representation in remonstrance hearings.
  • Litigating disputes between businesses.
  • Defense in sales to minors or sales to intoxicated persons.
  • Lease negotiations and disputes.
  • Real estate acquisition and financing.

Solutions for Wholesalers:

  • Obtaining state liquor licenses and federal basic permits.
  • Amending state liquor licenses and federal basic permits to reflect changes in ownership and control
  • Advising and assisting in compliance with trade practices regulations.
  • Representation and counsel in compliance proceedings and administrative hearings.
  • Advising and assisting with acquisition and sale of existing businesses. We also identify potential buyers and sellers.
  • Franchise rights disputes and litigation.
  • Negotiating and advising clients in supplier contract negotiations.
  • Litigating disputes between businesses.
  • Lease negotiations and disputes.
  • Real Estate acquisition and financing.
  • Collections.

Solutions for Manufacturers, Brokers and Suppliers:

  • Obtaining state liquor licenses and federal basic permits, including Brewpub, Farm Winery, Brewery, Distiller, Importer and Brokers Licenses.
  • Amending state liquor licenses and federal basic permits to reflect changes in ownership and control.
  • Advising on franchise issues.
  • Advising and assisting in compliance with trade practices regulations.
  • Representation and counsel in compliance proceedings and administrative hearings.
  • Advising and assisting with acquisition and sale of existing businesses.
  • Helping manufacturing clients ensure that their investment in brands is protected, including trademark registration.
  • Certificate of Label Approval applications and labeling advice.
  • Litigating disputes between businesses.
  • Negotiating and advising clients in wholesaler contract negotiations.
  • Litigating disputes between businesses.
  • Lease negotiations and disputes.
  • Real Estate acquisition and financing.
  • Collections

Without question, any business that depends on liquor sales for its success needs a liquor law attorney of the caliber of Peter Berdon. He understands the industry. He understands what the state needs to keep your business up and running. And he is respected by other attorneys in this challenging field.

We work with law firms, either as special liquor law counsel or in other states when client issues so require.