Craft Beer Attorney

06/02/2026

🌈 Pride Month Is a Good Time for a Workplace Compliance Check ⚖️🍻
A rainbow logo is easy.

Making sure your workplace policies actually protect your team? That takes a little more attention.

California employers continue to have some of the strongest workplace protections in the country for LGBTQ+ employees, and those obligations don’t pause after June 30.

Here’s the 2026 refresher:

🔹 California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender status in hiring, pay, promotions, discipline, and termination.

🔹 Employers must allow employees to use restrooms and facilities that align with their gender identity.

🔹 Repeatedly using the wrong name or pronouns can support a harassment or discrimination claim—especially after an employee has communicated their correct name or pronouns.

🔹 California employers are required to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and promptly address complaints, including harassment targeting LGBTQ+ employees.

🔹 Harassment prevention training should reflect current workplace realities, including examples involving gender identity, gender expression, and respectful workplace conduct.

✨ Pro Tip:
Employee handbooks, anti-harassment policies, onboarding materials, and manager training are all good places to check for outdated language or gaps in protection.

Inclusive workplaces are good for culture, retention, and morale. They’re also part of staying compliant in California.

Need help reviewing your policies or training materials? That’s kind of our thing. Send us an email: [email protected]

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — does not constitute legal advice.

06/01/2026

Today we celebrate the uterine exodus of a woman of many talents; Shannon files client TTB formulas and COLAs by day, manages our social media with such flair that sometimes even Diane has to look up a word she's included and somehow still has the energy left to deliver the best tackle hugs in the business! She keeps our office light, whimsical and chuckling at her astute and quirky observations and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Our favorite redhead can walk into any industry event and strike up a convo about t-shirt designs, pickle entrees, punk rock or label compliance before you've even finished your alley beer.

We hope that Hank, Cheddar Farts, and the Brewers fan she holds dear, all shower her with deference today, while we raise a glass and toast our resident rugby fanatic.

To Shannon: may your birthday be as bold, loud and full of life as you are! 🎂🥳🎈

Cheers! 🍻🥂🍸

05/30/2026

🚚 Labor tensions, distributor consolidation and summer stunts are reshaping the beer business this week.

Teamsters have extended picket lines at Breakthru Beverage facilities in Missouri and Illinois, escalating a dispute over proposed contract language as the distributor rolls out contingency plans. Meanwhile on Long Island, Southern Glazer’s has officially closed its acquisition of Clare Rose, expanding its New York footprint, while Tilray-owned Montauk Brewing preps a second taproom in the former Port Jeff Brewing space.

Elsewhere, SpikedAde lands statewide in Texas, Boston Beer revives its “Brewer Patriot Collection” ahead of America 250, Molson Coors plans blue pours for Blue Moon, and Garage Beer taps pop-punk nostalgia for summer marketing. 🍺📦🎸

Link to the full story in the first comment below 👇



https://www.brewbound.com/news/press-clips-breakthru-picket-lines-expand-montauk-to-open-2nd-location-southern-glazers-snags-clare-rose-more?utm_social=fb_brewbound

05/29/2026

For more information about entity updates, or help with your entity filings, email us at [email protected]

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only -- Does not constitute legal advice.

05/28/2026

Your brewery has survived drinking holidays, overly friendly vendors, and the taproom regulars; but do you really know your sexual harassment prevention responsibilities? Test yourself below!

1️⃣ Which of the following is true about California sexual harassment prevention training?
A. Only supervisors are required to take it.
B. All employees must take it at least once every 2 years.
C. It’s optional if you have fewer than 50 employees.
D. Only new employees need training.

Answer: B. All employees must take training at least every 2 years; supervisors have specific extra requirements.

2️⃣ True or False: Having a written sexual harassment policy and a reporting procedure is enough to protect your brewery from liability.
A. True
B. False

Answer: B. False — policies are critical, but training, consistent enforcement, and prompt corrective action are key to compliance.

💡 Tip for Employers: Don’t wait until an incident happens — refresh training, remind staff of reporting channels, and make sure your workplace is safe for everyone.

Need help keeping your brewery compliant and your staff confident? Send us an email – [email protected] – we’ll help you make sure your training and policies are on point.

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — Does not constitute legal advice.

05/26/2026

Lease woes; Read the fine print.

Your lease isn’t just paperwork—it’s one of the most critical contracts your company will sign. From zoning and noise restrictions to utility costs and use provisions, a missed detail today can tap into your bottom line tomorrow.

Thinking of moving into a space that hasn’t hosted beverage manufacturing before?

You may need major HVAC and roofing upgrades to handle ventilation and brewing equipment.
➡But here’s the catch: some leases restrict structural modifications—especially to the roof. If that condition slips by, you could end up stuck with a space that can’t support your operations.

Don’t overlook how the lease defines your square footage.
➡For example, if a lease lists your space as approximately 1,500 sq ft, but it's actually closer to 1,403 sq ft, that difference could quietly inflate your share of common area maintenance (CAM) costs, sometimes by a couple of percentage points over the life of the lease.

If your facility includes a patio or outdoor area, make sure it's clearly outlined in the lease and under your exclusive control.
➡Without exclusive control, you may run into issues when it comes to licensing that area as part of you premises.

Too many companies inherit headaches they didn’t bargain for. A thorough lease review can protect your tasting room, your tanks, and your long-term vision.

Ready to negotiate with confidence? We’re here to help make sense of the legalese so you can get back to creating. 🍺🍷🍸

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only – Does not constitute legal advice.

05/25/2026

Today, we take a moment to remember the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy the freedoms we sometimes take for granted, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

As we gather with family, fire up the grill, or raise a glass, let’s also take a moment to reflect on what this day truly means. It’s more than a long weekend: it’s about honoring those who never made it home.

Here’s to remembering, reflecting, and appreciating. Wishing you all a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day

Attorney Advertising – For educational purposes only – Does not constitute legal advice

05/22/2026

Hmmm

Craft beer’s biggest players are feeling the squeeze: 7 of the top 10 BA-defined craft brewers posted volume declines in 2025. 📉🍺

According to the Brewers Association, total craft output fell 5.1% to 21.86 million barrels, with the top 10 regional brewers shedding more than 763,000 barrels combined. D.G. Yuengling & Son recorded the steepest drop — down 25% — while Boston Beer slipped to No. 3 as its beer volume continued a multi-year slide.

Still, a few outliers bucked the trend: Tilray Brands (+1%), Athletic Brewing (+20%) and Deschutes (+14%) gained ground, reshuffling share among the industry’s largest players as non-alcoholic and portfolio strategy shifts reshape the leaderboard. 📊

See who’s up, who’s down and what it means for craft’s competitive landscape at the link in the first comment below ⬇️



https://www.brewbound.com/news/7-of-top-10-craft-brewers-recorded-volume-loss-in-2025-tilray-athletic-deschutes-growth-outliers?utm_social=fb_brewbound

05/22/2026

🍺 Type 91 Catering Permits — The Full Pour

Time to pull it all together. Here’s the full snapshot when it comes to California’s

Type 91 Beer Manufacturer’s Catering Authorization:
• Available to eligible Type 01 and Type 23 beer manufacturers
• Each event requires ABC authorization
• Applications must generally be submitted between 3 and 30 days before the event
• Breweries are limited to 36 event days per calendar year
• Only two beer manufacturers may cater the same event or day
• Beer must be manufactured by or for the licensee and consumed on-site
• Type 91 events remain subject to California RBS requirements
• Approval documents must be displayed at the event
• Records related to beer sales must be maintained for at least 3 years
• Additional approvals or operating conditions may apply depending on the event location

Planning ahead helps breweries take advantage of off-site opportunities while avoiding preventable compliance issues.

Questions about Type 91 permits or off-site event compliance?

Email us at [email protected]

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — Does not constitute legal advice.

05/21/2026

🍺 Type 91 Catering Permits — Day 3

Almost there. Today we’re talking event-day operations and compliance responsibilities.

✔️ Type 91 events are subject to California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) requirements
✔️ Beer sales are limited to 124 gallons per event
✔️ Approval documents must be printed and displayed at the event
✔️ Breweries must maintain records related to beer sales for at least 3 years
✔️ Minors may attend unless the event location is otherwise age restricted

Good to Know: If your event takes place on an already licensed premises, the existing license may need to be temporarily surrendered.

Your compliance obligations travel with you. Proper staffing, recordkeeping, and event preparation help protect both your license and your guests.

Questions about RBS compliance or off-site event operations?
Email us at [email protected]

Attorney Advertising: For educational purposes only — Does not constitute legal advice.