Tel: 205-601-9935
BRAD McGIBONEY
OWNER
Brad worked for law firms in Birmingham, Huntsville and Atlanta defending civil defendants in a number of high profile cases throughout the Southeast. Brad ventured out on his own after noticing a need for representation in the specialized area of alcohol licensing, alleged alcohol-related violations by alcohol licensees and educating clients how to avoid such violations and increase safety.
ALCOHOL LICENSING LAWYERS, LLC
CONTACT
For general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
July 14, 2017
The ABC Board has changed its interpretation of service of margaritas in pitchers. The issue involves two (2) separate ABC Regulations, one (1) precluding the adulteration of mixed drinks (except for individual mixed drinks) and another that involves its interpretation of the term "customarily sold in pitchers" to allow only beer to be sold in pitchers. On July 14, 2017, the ABC Board reconsidered its position and will now allow ABC licensees to sell pitchers of margaritas as long as the pitchers are always available (i.e., not limited to happy hour).
Beginning early May 2017, ALL worked with the ABC Board representing a client who received a citation for selling pitchers of margaritas. ALL worked closely with the ABC Board regarding this issue that affects many restaurants. ALL was instrumental in changing the ABC Board's interpretation of its Regulation to now allow margaritas to be sold in pitchers.
There are several requirements that must be met in order to sell pitchers of margaritas. Contact ALL if you are interested in selling margaritas or other alcoholic beverages in pitchers to ensure that you meet all of the requirements.
July 18, 2017
Developers and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S. have found that more relaxed open container laws are increasing sales. If you have interest in more relaxed open container laws in or around your business please contact ALL.
Important Updates
Many businesses, including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, pharmacies and hotels, incur significant delays and problems in obtaining alcohol licenses and complying with federal, state and local alcohol laws.
Alcohol Licensing Lawyers, LLC (“ALL”) specializes in a niche market. ALL assists clients with issues relating to the Alabama ABC Board and local governments. Alabama is one of the few states that still have a “3 Tier” alcohol system including Manufacturers (distillers, brewers and winemakers); Wholesalers/Distributors (International Wine, Grassroots, AlaBev, etc.); and Retailers (restaurants, bars, hotels, pharmacies, etc.). The ABC Board has a monopoly on importing and distributing all liquor and is also responsible for licensing and compliance of all companies involved in the 3 Tier System.
Understanding and navigating federal, state and local alcohol laws is an onerous and convoluted experience. Businesses wishing to sell alcohol (on- or off-premise) often do not anticipate the lengthy process (including time and amount of information/documentation required). This often results in a business opening before obtaining an alcohol license and a significant loss of revenue during the integral opening period.
Opening a new business (particularly a restaurant or bar) is difficult and time consuming. ALL represents clients through the convoluted process of obtaining alcohol licenses. ALL assists clients during this crucial time by taking one aspect of opening off of the owner’s plate, provides peace of mind and allows the owners the opportunity to focus on other aspects of the business.
Many law firms try to represent restaurants and other businesses in all legal issues including business formation, lease negotiations, labor and employment issues, bankruptcy issues, dram shop litigation, business disputes, etc. These are typically large firms that charge high hourly rates because of extensive overhead and other costs. However, there are few lawyers in Alabama who primarily assist clients with alcohol licensing and state and local alcohol compliance issues. Many of these large firms have never navigated the alcohol licensing process and have never worked with the ABC Board.
Instead of paying an attorney who does not specialize in alcohol licensing/alcohol-related issues and who has to conduct significant research to understand the applicable alcohol laws/regulations at a high hourly rate, ALL represents clients in the niche market of obtaining alcohol licenses and representing clients in alcohol-related regulatory matters at a substantially lower cost. ALL has extensive experience in assisting clients obtain alcohol licenses and resolve regulatory violations. Furthermore, ALL has developed relationships with numerous state and local alcohol licensing and regulatory personnel.
VISION
Navigating Clients Through the Alcohol Licensing Process and Assisting Clients with Alcohol-Related Issues.
ALCOHOL LICENSING LAWYERS, LLC
PRACTICE
AREAS
ALCOHOL LICENSING
ALL gathers the required information and documents, submits the appropriate applications and navigates the required local and state meetings to timely obtain local, state and federal licenses.
BUSINESS
ALL assists in creating business entities to avoid later alcohol licensing issues.
RESPONSIBLE VENDOR TRAINING
ALL is a Certified Responsible Vendor Trainer and provides classes, written materials and certifications for clients to satisfy the ABC Board's Responsible Vendor requirements.
ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS
ALL represents clients when they receive citations from local or ABC enforcement agents for violations of applicable local and state statutes and regulations.
EXPERIENCE
ALL informs clients of deadlines to avoid delays in the licensing process and ensures that each step of the process is completed in a timely manner.
PRO-ACTIVE REQUESTS
ALL assists clients in submitting and resolving issues with the ABC Board and local governments to avoid later problems.
