9th Circuit Rules for Arizona in Volume Cap and In Person Challenge

UPDATE…….. ARIZONA WINS The 9th Circuit has issued a ruling. The state of Arizona wins, volume caps and face to face purchase requirements are permissible. Read the ruling here. (OLDER POST) On September 15th, the 9th Circuit heard oral arguments of a wineries appeal of an Arizona district court’s decision upholding the state’s winery laws.   Click here if you would like  to hear the…Read More

California Attorney General Warns Suppliers and Importers: Do Not Control Other Licensees

In a very forceful advisory, the California Attorney General has made it clear that California law does not allow suppliers to micromanage and control distributor licensees.  This guidance apparently went to over 600 importers and suppliers.  The staff of the attorney general actually  spent time reviewing the proposed supplier contracts to state law and were very concerned…Read More

Another State Faces 21st Amendment Lawsuit. Welcome Iowa to the Lawsuit Club.

Iowa has recently joined the ranks of states having a federal court determining the future of its state alcohol laws.  Indiana University Professor James Tanford has filed another Dormant Commerce Clause lawsuit this one challenging provisions in the Iowa alcohol code dealing with reciprocity for direct shipping.  A copy of this lawsuit can be found here.   By…Read More

Massachusetts Loses Volume Cap Litigation at 1st Circuit.

The First Circuit dealt a blow to state alcohol regulation today ruling against Massachusett’s 30,000 gallon volume cap for wineries.   In its opinion, the 1st Circuit determined that the MA law, helped by statements in the legislative record, was discriminatory in both purpose and effects and violated the Dormant Commerce Clause.  This is a different…Read More

TFWS Case In Maryland Is Officially Over

Well the sordid ten year history of the TFWS case is over.  There will be no appeal to the United States Supreme Court.   In order to save the state money from attorneys fees, the state will not appeal in exchange for not having to pay attorney fees.  In a fee settlement agreement filed with the court the…Read More