About

Provided by GrayRobinson, PA

GrayRobinson’s National Alcohol Law Team comprises a team of attorneys, regulatory consultants, and licensing specialists. The experience of our attorneys specializing in the laws governing the alcohol industry provides unparalleled talent for solving problems and achieving results. The Team also includes over a dozen licensing specialists emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We counsel on all federal, state, and local laws governing the production, importation, distribution, promotion, sale and service of alcohol beverages and represent clients in all segments (beer, wine, and distilled spirits) and all tiers (manufacturers/importers, wholesale distributors, and retailers) of the alcohol industry.


In addition to regulatory and trade practice, we handle licensure and compliance for M&A and multi-location projects. We represent buyers and sellers and advise industry clients on transactions in which purchasers include banks, private equity funds, and investors with no prior relationship with the alcohol industry. We have migrated tens of thousands of licenses and permits for clients with business interests in multiple states.


We also provide marketing guidance, including utilizing social media and disruptive technologies (sales and delivery apps, AI, Mobile ID, etc.). Evolving technology presents new challenges and opportunities, and bridging creativity and compliance requires a deep understanding of policy and real-time awareness of marketing tactics.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Food & Beverages: Alcohol - USA - Nationwide
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

The GrayRobinson team handles high-quality work in a variety of areas, including regulatory compliance, licensing, distribution and promotion of alcohol. The team is noted for expertise advising clients on M&A, in particular in dealing with multijurisdictional transactions. Its strong bench of experts includes several former federal and state regulators. The team acts for clients at all tiers of the industry, ably handling matters for retailers and wholesale distributors as well as manufacturers and importers.

Work Highlights

Provided by GrayRobinson, PA
  • GrayRobinson assisted Casa Lumbre with US licensing and regulatory compliance matters in conjunction with corporate counsel to confirm that the ownership flows of the brands comply with US tied-house laws.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Richard M Blau
1
Richard M Blau
1
Band 1

Richard Blau has significant experience in the alcoholic beverage sector and is particularly adept at handling regulatory and licensing matters. He is active across a range of sectors including retail and hospitality.

"Richard is always ready to take on difficult projects and develop creative solutions to challenging issues."

"He's a national liquor law expert who is excellent at what he does, very personable and easy to work with."

Elizabeth A DeConti
3
Elizabeth A DeConti
3
Band 3

Elizabeth DeConti is routinely called upon to advise clients on complex licensing and regulatory compliance matters. She acts as counsel for a number of alcoholic beverage companies, restaurants and retailers.

"Elizabeth is excellent at what she does."

"Her intellect and knowledge on alcohol laws are simply incredible."

Grace Yang
3
Grace Yang
3
Band 3

Grace Yang focuses her practice on marketing and licensing issues, in addition to other regulatory concerns, notably on behalf of major retailers.

"Grace is fantastic to work with."

Valerie Haber
3
Valerie Haber
3
Band 3

Valerie Haber is routinely called upon to counsel clients on complex licensing matters. Her clients include breweries, retailers and distilleries.

"Valerie is a pleasure to work with and she has an exceptional understanding of licensing and permitting issues."

"She exceeds expectations every time we engage her."

Hannah Becker
U
Hannah Becker
U
Up and Coming

Hannah Becker is held in high regard by clients for her advice on regulatory matters in relation to new product launches, as well as on distribution issues.

"Hannah is wonderful to work with."

"It is a pleasure to work with Hannah."

Ranked Lawyers at
GrayRobinson, PA

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Food & Beverages: Alcohol

Richard M Blau
1
Richard M Blau
1
Band 1
Elizabeth A DeConti
3
Elizabeth A DeConti
3
Band 3
Grace Yang
3
Grace Yang
3
Band 3
Valerie Haber
3
Valerie Haber
3
Band 3
Hannah Becker
U
Hannah Becker
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by GrayRobinson, PA

Alexis Mason

Jason Unger

John P. Thomas, II

Lauren Voke

Richard M Blau

Richard M Blau

Head of Department

Thomas Philpot

Clients

Provided by GrayRobinson, PA

Alcohol beverage producers, distributors, and retailers

International drinks companies

Off-premises retailers (chain grocery stores, liquor store

On-premise retailers (restaurant and hotel chains, theme p

State and regional alcohol beverage distributors

Industries

Provided by GrayRobinson, PA

Advertising, Marketing, and Promotion

Brand Development

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Delivery and Logistics

Food and Beverage Manufacturing/Importing

Government

Licensing and Compliance

Mergers & Acquisitions

Retail (on-premise and off-premises)

Technology

Tourism and Hospitality

Travel and Leisure

Wholesale Distribution