Beware: ABC Scam The ABC sent a press release this morning warning of an ABC scam. Be diligent and remember that most state and federal agencies do not request payments for penalties in this manner. Here is the text from the press release: “Sacramento – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is warning ABC…

{Tied House Rules of the Game} It happened. It actually happened! The Cubs won the World Series after 108 years of billy goat interference! I am, admittedly, a new fan. Some of you might say, “that’s convenient. You’re only a fan because they won. Where were you through the tough times?” Quite frankly, I didn’t…

In honor (celebration?) of Halloween, I thought I’d share an oldy but goody. This article was originally published on October 26, 2015 on the Full Circle Business Law Blog. If you have a problematic partner, or you want to avoid ever having a ghoulish partner, you will enjoy reading this – yea, I’m a confident gal! Don’t Let…

{Episode 2 – Threats, From Co-Founders & Beyond} We are picking up from last week’s episode on co-founder accountability, so check that out if you want to see the first three important questions to ask a co-founder. If you’re all caught up, let’s kick it into high gear immediately. Sometimes, it is the owners themselves who put…

{Episode 1 – Co-Founder Accountability} There are some concerns that are common to all businesses and alcoholic beverage companies are no exception. Formation and co-founder issues are at the core of many disputes, so being prepared for the bumps ahead can be a huge advantage. One way to know what to expect is to ask…

A (be)Wilderness Guide To Lawyers In order for this relationship to work – between blogger and bloggee (it’s a word now) – we have to be able to be honest with each other. Most people have had this experience: you ask a lawyer a very simple question and they say “well, it depends.” What the h-e-? Why…

Alcoholic Beverages Require Responsibility There’s a right way and a wrong way to manufacture and sell alcoholic beverages. Here is a statement from California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control showing you how one business did it the wrong way: “On December 10, 2015, search warrants were served at the unlicensed business and at the suspect’s residence.  At the business…

I already have a DBA & a clever name for my distillery. I’m set. Congratulations on coming up with a unique name for your distillery (or brewery or winery)! That can be a difficult and frustrating process, especially when you’re trying to find the perfect embodiment of your business. After celebrating, you probably went out…

…Norm! Welcome to The Law Distilled! This is where you will find easily accessible legal information about all things related to the business of alcohol. You will also see many bad puns, dated (and lame) references, accounts of my libation experiences, some photos of those experiences, and whatever else I can rope in under the guise of…