Hospitality and Alcoholic Beverage Law

Hospitality and Alcoholic Beverage Law

Our hospitality and liquor licensing attorneys understand that successful legal counsel requires an in-depth knowledge of not only the laws and regulations governing the hospitality and alcoholic beverage industry, but also the processes required at the federal, state and local levels of government. Clark Quinn attorneys know and understand those processes, and provide advice and counseling on a broad range of hospitality-related topics, such as:

  • Locating and obtaining new alcoholic beverage or liquor permits, licenses and certificates for businesses and employees (managers, wait staff, servers, bartenders and clerks) in the hospitality industry
  • Preparing transfer applications and renewal applications for alcoholic beverage permits or liquor licenses
  • Participating in appeal hearings in the event a business has its alcoholic beverage permit or liquor license denied or revoked
  • Complying with the alcoholic beverage laws and regulations (liquor laws)
  • Assisting clients with tax issues (tax protests) before various taxing authorities
  • Drafting and negotiating contracts necessary to buy and sell restaurants (and other businesses) holding alcoholic beverage permits or liquor licenses
  • Drafting management and lease agreements
  • Creating municipal riverfront and lakefront districts for municipalities
  • Negotiating settlement agreements concerning alleged violations issued by the Indiana State Excise Police, the Indiana Gaming Commission and the Department of Code Enforcement
  • Litigating matters before state agencies, courts, and arbitrators relating to contract disputes, purchasing distribution rights, torts, such as liquor liability or dram shop liability, and nuisance abatement matters
  • Defending persons in alcoholic beverage related offenses such as public intoxication and driving under the influence. Also view: Criminal Law
  • Our liquor licensing attorneys represent clients throughout the hospitality industry, including the following:
    • Beer, wine and liquor wholesalers (distributors)
    • Breweries / Microbreweries
    • Farm Wineries
    • Restaurants, night clubs and taverns
    • Package liquor stores
    • Grocery and convenience stores
    • Fraternal and social clubs
    • Hotels
    • Civic centers, stadiums, entertainment complexes and concert venues
    • Municipalities and redevelopment commissions and authorities
    • Tobacco shops and cigar bars
    • Country clubs and golf courses
    • Real estate developers and landlords
    • Caterers and Event planners
    • Businesses engaging in charitable and Type II gaming functions or events
    • Other clients holding alcoholic beverage permits (liquor permits or liquor licenses) before the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission and other liquor control boards throughout the United States.

    We also assist clients with matters related to the hospitality industry including the following:

    • Organizing business entities and conducting necessary filings to start a hospitality business – Also view: Business and Commercial Services
    • Conducting the land use, zoning and planning analysis and filing the proper petitions in order for hospitality businesses to operate at certain locations – Also view: Zoning and Land Use
    • Providing legal counsel and litigation services regarding laws affecting health, safety and welfare issues and labor and employment matter common to the hospitality industry – Also view: Civil Litigation and Employment Law.

    Members:

    Indiana Brewer’s Guild

    National Association of Licensing Compliance,

    Indiana State Bar Association Alcohol Subsection

    Indianapolis Bar Association Sports and Entertainment Section

    Indianapolis Bar Association Government Section

    For more information about the Firm’s hospitality law and alcoholic beverage law practice please contact John B. “Bart” Herriman, Frank D. OtteMichael P. Maxwell, Jr., or Clark P. Kirkman.