New Virginia Law Helps Industry Members Receive Declaratory Rulings Before Costly Litigation

Virginia recently passed a law that will provide clarity to both brewers and distributors alike.   Below is a summary of the bill provided by Walter Marston of Marston & McNally who represents the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association: An amendment to the Virginia Beer Franchise Act effective July 1 will enable breweries and beer wholesalers to…Read More

IL Liquor Control Commission Lets ABInBev Keep 30% Stake in Distributor Despite Law Change

In a Halloween opinion after a contested hearing earlier this month, the IL Liquor Control Commission decided NOT to revoke the license of  the distributor entities that have a 30% interest from ABInbev.  In a 4-2 opinion, the four Commissioners stated that the Law Division of the ILLCC had not met its burden to revoke…Read More

MillerCoors Files Response To Motion to Dismiss

Sorry for the delay in posting this update to the website.    MillerCoors has filed its oppositionto the motion to dismiss filed by Chesbay and Reyes.   It also filed a group of supporting exhibits purporting to questions facts and defeat the application of a motion to dismiss at this stage.    The filing is curious in many respects…Read More

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

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