Email address
[email protected]Contact number
615.259.1040Share profile
Band 4
Provided by William Cheek
Alcohol & Hospitality; Government Relations, State and Local; Intersection of Business & Government; Legislative Advocacy & Public Strategy
Often referenced as the go-to liquor lawyer in Tennessee, Will leads the Tennessee Retail Team of Adams & Reese's Alcohol and Hospitality practice. He counsels both local and national clients on licensing and regulatory compliance under Tennessee state and local liquor and beer laws.
Will counsels distilleries, wineries, breweries and contract manufacturers on production, distribution and marketing, including complex federal and state tied house issues.
Will represents clients before the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and local beer boards in licensing, enforcement actions and administrative hearings. Working in concert with Adams & Reese's Government Relations team, he drafts state and local liquor legislation and represents clients in state court actions challenging existing ordinances and statutes and regulations.
Will is a trusted legal adviser to startup businesses and emerging companies within a wide range of industries. As "on-call general counsel," Will plays a critical role in helping mom-and-pop and closely held companies accomplish growth and success. This representation ranges from Tailgate Brewery, a Nashville-based brewery adding taprooms across the state, to Kraft CPAs, one of Tennessee's largest independent accounting firms.
Will has been ranked by Best Lawyers in America in Food and Beverage Law, as well as Nonprofit/Charities Law, for 11 and 9 consecutive years, respectively.
Will is a founding member of the Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants, and he serves as an advisory board member and legal counsel for the National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals.
National Conference of State Liquor Administrators; Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants, Founding Member; Lawyers Association for Women, Frequent Programming Co-Chair; National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys; National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals, Advisory Board Member and Legal Counsel; National Cannabis Bar Association; Tennessee Bar Association; Nashville Bar Association
Provided by Chambers
William Cheek focuses his practice on advising organizations within the hospitality, manufacturing and entertainment sectors on licensing issues and regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on the state of Tennessee.
Provided by Chambers
Will is consistently responsive, thoughtful and steady under pressure, bringing clarity to complex issues while maintaining a collaborative and approachable demeanor.
Will is great to work with and feels like a friend.
He truly understands our business and how we like to operate. He makes sure we are always aware of the industry laws.
Will is consistently responsive, thoughtful and steady under pressure, bringing clarity to complex issues while maintaining a collaborative and approachable demeanor.
Will is great to work with and feels like a friend.
He truly understands our business and how we like to operate. He makes sure we are always aware of the industry laws.
6 items provided by Adams & Reese
How to deliver beer in Nashville during the corona closure
Nashville has enacted an emergency regulation allowing the delivery and sale of beer curbside and to-go.
Latest updates for alcohol delivery by restaurants in Tennessee
The last week has brought dramatic changes for restaurant operators in Tennessee.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hunker down update for Nashville, other Tennessee cities
Gov. Lee is limiting restaurants, bars and others to drive-through, carry-out and delivery service only.
No hospitality industry tax holiday in Tennessee
With the industry devastated from the coronavirus, the question is: Do I have to pay my LBD and sales tax this month?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to support your local watering hole in Nashville
We have been hearing the same question from tons of bar owners: What do we do?
Coronavirus interrupts beer board licensing in Tennessee
The coronavirus is slowing down the sale of beer, or at least the issuance of beer permits.
How to deliver beer in Nashville during the corona closure
Nashville has enacted an emergency regulation allowing the delivery and sale of beer curbside and to-go.
Latest updates for alcohol delivery by restaurants in Tennessee
The last week has brought dramatic changes for restaurant operators in Tennessee.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hunker down update for Nashville, other Tennessee cities
Gov. Lee is limiting restaurants, bars and others to drive-through, carry-out and delivery service only.
No hospitality industry tax holiday in Tennessee
With the industry devastated from the coronavirus, the question is: Do I have to pay my LBD and sales tax this month?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to support your local watering hole in Nashville
We have been hearing the same question from tons of bar owners: What do we do?
Coronavirus interrupts beer board licensing in Tennessee
The coronavirus is slowing down the sale of beer, or at least the issuance of beer permits.