The Pink Boots Society was recently granted tax-exempt status by the IRS, and is on its way to awarding its first scholarship. Congratulations! Please join PBS February 15th at Saraveza to celebrate.
Alcohol and Liquor
Utah DABC Changes Alcohol Enforcement Policy
Utah’s liquor control agency has started citing restaurants that serve alcoholic drinks to patrons before they order food. The agency has shifted policy to now strictly interpret a key provision of Utah’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which provides:
A full-service restaurant licensee may not sell, offer for sale, or furnish an alcoholic product except in …
Hard Cider Tasting Event Signals a Growing Market
Recently the Washington State University Northwest Washington Research Center hosted what is being touted as “the world’s largest (by variety) hard cider tasting” at the Center’s research facility in Mount Vernon, Washington. The WSU-affiliated research facility and orchard has allowed for the preservation of dozens of apple varieties from growing regions in France, England and…
“Master” Liquor Licenses Considered for Utah
The Utah Legislature’s Business and Labor Interim Committee reviewed a proposal to create a new class of “master” licenses for owners of multiple restaurants to operate under a single liquor license for all locations. The sponsor of the bill, Senator John Valentine (R, District 14), explained that the intent is to entice restaurant chains to …
Stoel Rives Wine, Beer and Distilled Spirits Group Recognized by Chambers USA
Stoel Rives LLP is pleased to announce that the firm’s Wine, Beer and Distilled Spirits group has been recognized by Chambers USA as a nationwide leader in the category of "Food & Beverages: Alcohol." Stoel Rives is one of only 10 firms nationwide to be ranked in this category.
Stoel Rives partner and founding chair…
New Licenses For Utah
The Utah Legislature today in a special session passed a bill (S.B. 4001) to increase the number of restaurant licenses available in the state. The bill will now go to Governor Herbert , who is expected to sign.
50 additional full-service restaurant licenses and 40 limited-service restaurant licenses will be available as of July 1, 2012. Currently…
Implementation of I-1183 Remains On Schedule; Washington Supreme Court Argument Set for May 17, 2012
From our colleague Hunter Ferguson:
The implementation of I-1183 remains on schedule. Last Friday, April 6, a Washington Supreme Court Commissioner issued an order denying an emergency motion for injunctive relief to halt the implementation of I-1183. The motion was filed by the plaintiffs in Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention v. State…
Starbucks to Start Selling Beer and Wine in California
Expanding on its pilot programs in Seattle and Portland, Starbucks will begin selling wine and beer at a few select locations in Orange County, CA by the end of this year. The program will reportedly sell California vintages and micro-brews. You can read more about the story here and can I get that in a…
Tasting Rooms Not Restaurants Says California Appeals Court
In a recent 3-0 decision, a California Appeals Court sided with Freemark Abbey Winery in its attempt to move its wine store and tasting room into a building in St. Helena which already contained a restaurant. The decision reversed the district courts granting of a preliminary injunction which would have stopped Freemark’s move entirely until…
Stoel Rives Holds California Wine Seminar
On March 8 and 9, Stoel Rives cosponsored, with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, the 6th Annual Best Practices for Owning and Operating a Winery, held in Napa, CA. The well attended event covered such topics as valuation, water, energy, and branding. Stoel attorney’s Chris Hermann, John McKinsey, and Jake Storms were all panel speakers with John McKinsey…