Craft Beer Attorney

08/27/2026

In California, if you’re using a sales rep and they’re paid commission, that commission agreement must be in writing.

The agreement should spell out things like the commission rate, payment terms, territory, and any chargebacks.

Got a sales rep in California? Let’s make sure you have your agreements buttoned up. Send us an email at [email protected].

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — Does not constitute legal advice.

08/26/2026

RBS Tip: Beat the Heat

Hot weather can change the drinking equation.

Heat causes fluid loss through sweating, while alcohol can contribute to dehydration. Together, they can increase the risk of dehydration and may cause someone to feel the effects of alcohol more quickly.

So what can you do?

🔹 Make water easy to access. Water stations and readily available nonalcoholic beverages give guests an easy way to pace their drinking and stay hydrated.

🔹 Offer food and snacks. Food can slow the absorption of alcohol and help reduce peak alcohol levels.

🔹 Watch the pace. Pay attention if a guest is drinking more or faster than usual, and be prepared to slow service when necessary.

RBS isn't just about recognizing when someone has had too much. It's also about creating an environment that helps guests slow down before they get there.

Have questions about RBS requirements or training for your team? Send us an email: [email protected]

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — Does not constitute legal advice.

08/25/2026

Famous last words.

A contract is a lot easier to negotiate before everyone has signed it.

If the deal matters to your business, the terms matter too.

Need a contract drafted or reviewed? Send us an email [email protected] to get the important stuff buttoned up.

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — Does not constitute legal advice.

08/20/2026

Why Does My Spouse Have to Fill Out an ABC-208-A?

You're applying for a California ABC license. You own the business. Your spouse doesn't work there, isn't involved in the day-to-day operations, and may not have anything to do with the business at all.

So why does ABC want a 208-A from them, too?

The answer is California community property law.

ABC requires the spouse of an applicant or licensee to complete their own ABC-208-A Individual Personal Affidavit because a spouse may have a community-property interest in the business or its assets, even when they have no role in operating the business.

The 208-A doesn't mean your spouse is becoming an owner or an operator. It gives ABC the information it needs to evaluate the ownership and interests connected to the license.

And what happens if you get married after you're licensed?

Getting your ABC license before marriage doesn't mean the spouse requirement disappears.

If you marry after your license is issued, you'll need to update your 208-A and submit a 208-A for your spouse.

Keeping that information current is important. An outdated licensing record can create unnecessary questions or delays when you're ready to amend your license, add another license, expand your operation, or make other changes with ABC.

Bottom line: Your spouse may have nothing to do with running your business, but ABC may still need their paperwork.

Need help navigating an ABC application or amendment? We're here to help.

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only - Does not constitute legal advice.

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

You found the perfect space. But can you actually use it for what you have planned?

It’s easy to fall in love with a location before doing the less exciting work of confirming that it’s properly zoned for your business.

That can become a problem when you discover you need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Minor Use Permit (MUP), or other local approval—or that your alcohol license may come with restrictions that don’t align with your plans for the space.

And while the ABC may no longer require a zoning affidavit, zoning due diligence is still your responsibility.

Before you sign the lease, make sure you know:

→ What the property is zoned for

→ Whether your intended use is permitted

→ What local permits or approvals you’ll need

→ Whether any restrictions could affect your plans

The perfect location isn’t so perfect if you can’t legally use it the way you envisioned.

Need help? We can help navigate the paperwork for your alcohol licensing. Send us an email: [email protected]

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only -- Does not constitute legal advice.

08/06/2026

False.

Not every label change requires a new Certificate of Label Approval (COLA). 

The TTB allows certain revisions—such as minor changes to artwork—to be made without obtaining a new COLA. However, changes to required information, such as ABV, your address, the beverage class or designation, or other substantive elements often require a new approval before the revised label can be used.

Knowing which changes qualify can save valuable time and help you avoid compliance issues as you bring your product to market.

Planning to update your labels? Before you send them to print, let us review your changes. We'll help you determine whether a new COLA is required, identify any potential compliance concerns, and handle the filing if needed. 

Reach out to us at [email protected] to get started.

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only - Does not constitute legal advice.

08/05/2026

Your distributor says you're ready to ship.

Are you?

Selling alcohol across state lines isn't as simple as loading a truck. It's fifty different regulatory systems, each with its own rules, timelines, filing requirements, and compliance obligations.

That's a lot to cover in a single Instagram post.

That's why we're taking a deeper dive on Substack.

Our first series explores what really goes into expanding beyond your home state—from licensing and brand registration to renewals, ongoing compliance, and the costly surprises that can slow your products down.

And we're just getting started.

We'll be using our Substack to take a deeper look at the licensing, compliance, and regulatory topics that are too complex to fit into a social media post—giving you practical insights to help you navigate the beverage industry with confidence.

Follow on Substack and subscribe so you never miss a post.

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only -- Does not constitute legal advice.

07/29/2026

IYKYK!