Manufacturing

Breweries

Establishing a brewery in the United States requires navigating a detailed regulatory framework at both the federal and state levels. Our firm provides comprehensive support for new and existing breweries, assisting with federal Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) qualification, state licensing, and the operational structures unique to the brewing industry.

At the federal level, we manage the  TTB Brewer’s Notice process, from drafting application materials to preparing required diagrams, operational statements, and control documents. We work closely with clients throughout the application process to ensure a smooth path to federal approval and ongoing compliance with production, reporting, and labeling obligations.

At the state level, requirements vary significantly, and New York in particular offers several distinct brewery license classes. We advise clients on the advantages, limitations, and eligibility criteria associated with microbrewery, farm brewery, and standard brewery licenses. Each license type carries its own benefits, such as expanded retail privileges, agricultural sourcing incentives, and differing fee structures, as well as specific operational requirements. We help you select the license that best fits your business model and then manage all filings with the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA).

Beyond licensing, we assist clients with the operational arrangements that are increasingly important in the brewing industry. This includes advising on alternating proprietorships, where multiple brewers share a single facility, and contract brewing, where production is outsourced to another licensed brewery. We structure these relationships to meet both TTB and state regulatory requirements and draft agreements that clearly define capacity allocations, responsibilities, tax treatment, and brand ownership.

We also support breweries in navigating the commercial side of distribution. Our team drafts and negotiates distribution agreements, with particular attention to whether state franchise laws may apply. These laws can significantly affect termination rights, brand control, and long-term strategy, and we ensure that your agreements reflect both your goals and the governing legal landscape.

Whether you are launching a small craft operation or developing a larger production facility, our firm provides the regulatory, contractual, and operational guidance needed to get your brewery properly licensed, compliant, and positioned for growth.

Wineries

Launching or expanding a winery in the United States involves a detailed set of federal and state regulatory requirements. Our firm provides full-service assistance to wineries of all sizes. We guide clients through TTB qualification, state licensing, operational structuring, and the commercial agreements that shape long-term success.

At the federal level, we manage the complete TTB Wine Premises qualification process. This includes preparing all application materials, producing required diagrams and operational statements, assisting with bond and registration issues (where applicable), and advising on compliance obligations related to production, labeling, storage, and reporting. We support clients through each stage until their federal permit is approved and, upon state level licensure, the point when the premises is authorized for wine production.

State-level requirements add another layer of complexity, and New York offers several distinct winery and farm winery license classifications. We advise clients on the privileges and limitations of each license type, including production thresholds, retail privileges, agricultural sourcing requirements, and fee structures, and help determine the option that best aligns with your operational model. We then manage all filings with the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (NJABC), or other state agency, and coordinate directly with regulators throughout the process.

Many wineries also rely on flexible production structures, and we provide guidance on custom crush arrangements and alternating proprietorships. These arrangements either allow multiple producers to share space and equipment within a single facility or allow a brand owner to have its products produced on a contract basis by a licensed winery. We help structure these relationships to meet federal and state compliance standards and draft the agreements needed to clearly outline responsibilities, production rights, tax implications, and brand ownership.

On the commercial side of distribution, we assist wineries with drafting and negotiating distribution agreements, ensuring that they account for the complexities of alcohol distribution and evaluating whether any state franchise laws may apply. These laws can significantly affect termination rights and brand control, and we ensure each agreement reflects your business strategy while remaining compliant with relevant regulations.

Whether you are opening a boutique winery, expanding an existing operation, or entering the market through shared production arrangements, our team provides the federal, state, and contractual support needed to launch and operate a compliant and successful winery.

Distillers

Establishing a distillery in the United States requires navigating a rigorous and highly technical regulatory framework. Our firm provides comprehensive support to new and existing distillers, assisting with federal Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) qualification, state licensing, operational structuring, and the commercial agreements that govern distribution and growth.

At the federal level, we manage the complete TTB DSP application process. This includes preparing all required filings, drafting detailed plant diagrams, identifying bonded and general premises, and assembling operational and security documents that meet the TTB’s exacting standards. We also advise on formula requirements, labeling compliance, storage regulations, and ongoing reporting obligations. Our goal is to streamline the path to DSP approval and ensure that your federal compliance program is strong from day one.

At the state level, distilling regulations vary significantly. In New York, several license classes are available, including the standard distiller’s license and the popular farm distillery license, each offering different production privileges, retail allowances, agricultural sourcing requirements, and fee structures. We help clients evaluate which license type best aligns with their operations and goals, then handle all filings with the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (NJABC), or other state agency. We also guide clients through state-level compliance issues, such as production reporting, tastings and retail privileges, and recordkeeping.

Distillers increasingly operate within flexible or shared production environments, and we advise on alternating proprietorships, which allow multiple DSPs to operate within the same physical facility, as well as contract distilling arrangements where production is carried out by another licensed DSP. We help structure these relationships to ensure they comply with TTB regulations and state law, and we prepare the agreements needed to clearly define production rights, equipment usage, responsibilities, and ownership of the resulting spirits.

We also assist distillers with negotiating and drafting distribution agreements, taking special care to assess whether state franchise laws may apply. Franchise laws can significantly limit a brand’s ability to modify or terminate distributor relationships, making early guidance essential. We ensure agreements reflect your commercial strategy while remaining compliant with the legal frameworks of each jurisdiction.

Whether you are launching an artisanal craft distillery or developing a larger-scale operation, our firm provides the regulatory, structural, and contractual support needed to obtain licensure, remain compliant, and position your distillery for long-term success.

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

The ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail market is expanding quickly, and the regulatory landscape is evolving just as fast. Our firm helps brands navigate the federal and state requirements that apply to RTD products, whether your cocktail is spirit-based, wine-based, or malt-based.

We assist with federal TTB approvals, including formula submissions, label compliance, and product classification, which is especially important in the RTD space where small differences in ingredients or alcohol content can change how a product is regulated and taxed. At the state level, we identify the appropriate license categories and help you secure the permits needed to produce, import, or distribute RTD beverages.

Because the RTD industry often relies on shared production or outsourced manufacturing, we also advise on contract production arrangements and ensure that agreements are structured to meet all regulatory requirements. If your brand works with distributors, we draft and negotiate distribution agreements and flag any state franchise laws that may impact those relationships.

In an industry that is moving quickly, we provide straightforward, practical support so you can bring your RTD cocktails to market with confidence and stay compliant as the regulatory environment continues to evolve.

Direct to Consumer

Many small alcohol manufacturers have successfully secured the right to sell and ship their products directly to consumers under specific conditions. However, the rules governing direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales vary widely by state, creating a complex regulatory landscape that requires careful navigation.

Our firm helps manufacturers understand and comply with both federal and state requirements for DTC sales. We advise on the licensing and registration obligations necessary to legally ship alcohol across state lines, ensure compliance with labeling and tax rules, and guide clients on shipping methods and documentation requirements.

Because DTC sales are highly regulated and subject to differing state restrictions, including limits on volume, types of products, and recipient eligibility, we provide tailored guidance for each jurisdiction in which a manufacturer plans to ship. We also help draft and review agreements with third-party fulfillment and shipping providers to ensure regulatory compliance.

For small and growing manufacturers, DTC sales can be an essential channel for revenue and brand development. Our team provides clear, practical support to ensure that your direct-to-consumer operations are fully compliant, strategically structured, and positioned for growth in this evolving space.

To schedule an initial consultation regarding your manufacturing matter, please contact us through our Online Contact Form or by phone: (212) 835-6768 in New York City or (609) 480-3080 in Princeton, New Jersey.