5th Annual Center for Alcohol Policy Legal Symposium to Be Held In Dallas September 9th thru 11th

The 5th annual Alcohol Law Symposium will be held September 9-11 in Dallas, Texas.  The program begins with a reception on Sunday evening the 9th, runs all day on Monday, and concludes around 12:30 on Tuesday the 11th.  This annual event brings together some of the most interesting alcohol stakeholders in the country – including state…Read More

United States Supreme Court Denies Cert in Dormant Commerce Clause Challenge in Ohio

The Supreme Court today denied the cert petition.  End of this story. (earlier post–  Solicitor General Recommends SCOTUS to Not Take Ohio Case) The Solicitor General of the United States has weighed in with a brief recommending that the Supreme Court not take the dormant Commerce Clause challenge to the ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court…Read More

Puerto Rico Wins in 1st Circuit. Coors Lawsuit Dismissed on Comity Grounds

The 1st Circuit has added another twist to the long running battle between Coors and Puerto Rico.    Rather than reach the dormant commerce clause argument, the 1st Circuit upheld the dismissal of the case  on the ground of privity.   In the opinion , Chief Judge Lynch stated “The question presented in this case is whether…Read More

Judge Grants Utah’s Motion to Dismiss Hospitality Association Case

Judge Jenkins held oral argument on the motion to dismiss and granted Plaintiff’s motion to dismiss.   I only have a transcript summary  here.   It dismisses the case but notes that the plaintiff has 20 days to amend the complaint.  Press coverage of the hearing indicates the judge was quite skeptical of the claims underlying the…Read More

Florida Rules Against Burger King Whopper Bars Due to Common Ownership With Supplier

The Florida Division of Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco issued an important ruling reinforcing tied house restrictions in Florida.   In a detailed examination of the common ownership of Anheuser-Busch Inbev and the company controlling Burger King.   Specifically, several of the Brazilian shareholders with the controlling interest in the brewery also have the control of the retailer.    This…Read More