Hospitality & Liquor Law

Who We Are

Our hospitality & liquor law attorneys are intimately familiar with both state and municipal regulatory processes required for launching service-oriented businesses in the hospitality industry. Additionally, they consistently provide guidance to clients on a wide range of legal compliance matters.

We have extensive experience advising on regulatory standards for merchandising and distribution of beer, wine, and spirituous liquor. Additionally, we provide counsel on compliance enforcement actions, tax negotiations, permitting violation resolution, and objections to licensing.

Possessing in-depth knowledge of the hospitality industry, our group leverages this expertise to advise clients and provide the most beneficial strategies for navigating matters before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission and Division of Liquor Control, ensuring that we are contributing to the continued operation and success of their business.

How We Help

Clients rely on the counsel of our hospitality & liquor law attorneys for assistance with regulatory, permitting, zoning, and licensing requirements. Our primary goal is to reduce the likelihood of business interruptions, which can result in costs for both the business and, ultimately, the business owner.

Our attorneys assist clients with the following types of matters:

• Procuring, Maintaining, & Transferring Vendor, Food, & Liquor Permits
• Drafting and/or Reviewing Distribution Agreements
• Crafting Management & Employment Agreements for Bars, Restaurants, and Other Liquor & Hospitality Focused Business
• Providing State & Local Government Relations Counseling
• Handling Liquor Liability Matters, Code Violations, or Other Regulatory Enforcement Actions
• Negotiating & Acquiring and/or Leasing Real Property Associated with Bars, Restaurants, Petroleum Stations with Convenient Stores, Entertainment Venues, and Other Liquor & Hospitality Focused Businesses
• Negotiating & Acquiring Assets or Ownership Interest of Bars, Restaurants, Hotels, Petroleum Stations with Convenient Stores, and Other Liquor & Hospitality Focused Businesses
• Establishing Financing Agreements for Bars, Restaurants, Entertainment Venues, and Other Liquor & Hospitality Focused Businesses
• Managing Ownership Transition for Business Succession
• Managing Ownership Transition for Business Sale
• Conducting Franchise Due Diligence, Permitting, and Compliance
• Structuring & Establishing Franchises
• Drafting & Reviewing Franchise Agreements
• Assisting Municipalities with the Creation of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas
• Assisting Developers & Municipalities with the Creation of Community Entertainment Districts
• Representing Clients in Matters Before the Liquor Control Commission

We are prepared to meet the growing demands of our clients in the highly competitive hospitality industry. Whether the legal requirements are transactional, regulatory, or involve advocacy for you or your business, our team has the ideal blend of skill and experience to facilitate your success as well as the success of your business.

Who We Represent

Our clients include local start-ups, entrepreneurs, owners of family-run businesses with multi-generational leadership, solopreneurs fulfilling a lifelong dream of running their own hospitality business, and franchisors and franchisees of local, regional, and national brands. Whether our client is large or small, our attorneys meticulously adhere to all state and federal statutes pertinent to each client’s distinct situation, aiming to mitigate any risks and promote long-term sustainable success.