Photo of Susan Johnson

Susan M. Johnson focuses her practice on issues facing the food, beverage and hospitality industries. She counsels beer, wine and spirits producers; retail store, restaurant and hotel chains; sports and entertainment facilities; cruise ship lines; and contract food service management companies on liquor licensing, sales, distribution, advertising, administrative violation defense and regulatory matters related to changes in corporate ownership and governance. Susan also works directly with industry associations, in-house counsel and other law firms on complex transactions, litigation consultation and legislative initiatives involving alcoholic beverage issues. Susan is co-chair of the Stoel Rives Food, Beverage & Hospitality group. Since 2014, she has been listed by Chambers USA as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" (Nationwide) in the Food & Beverages: Alcohol practice area.

Click here for Susan Johnson's full bio.

Please join us for our inaugural Washington Winery, Brewery & Distillery law seminar at the Columbia Winery in Woodinville, Washington on Thursday, March 15.

Panels to include these hot topics, plus much more:

  • Privatization/I-1183
  • Trademarks
  • Employment Laws
  • Tasting Room Operations
  • Taxes

For more information and registration visit: http://www.stoel.com/showevent.aspx?Show=9199

Defenders of I-1183 received a holiday gift last week from the Cowlitz County Superior Court. On Thursday, December 22, 2011, the Court issued two important rulings in the declaratory judgment action challenging the constitutionality of I-1183.

First, the Court granted the motion to intervene brought a group of supports of I-1183 led by Costco and

Despite Washington voters’ approval of I-1183 in the November 2011 election, the effort to privatize the wholesale distribution and retail sale of liquor in Washington faces another hurdle.  Last week, two lawsuits were filed in Washington courts challenging the validity of I-1183.   The plaintiffs in both cases contend that the newly enacted law violates the

Word is out that enough signatures have likely been gathered to ensure that an initiative backed by Costco will make it on the on the ballot in Washington State in November. The Costco backed initiative would transition sales of spirits in Washington State from state operated liquor stores to private retail stores and allow manufacturer to