Legal Info.

[Jeff Lockhart]

Does any one know a web sight that has the legal info by state regarding micros and the regulations on them? I found one years ago but can't find it now.

Thanks
Jeff

[brewmonkey]

check out www.probrewer.com

[Beerconnoisseur]

Laws regarding alcohol tend to vary from state to state, and even from municipality to municipality. They also frequently change. Accordingly, I would not go by what a website says, but consult a reputable attorney in your area instead. After all, if you felt shooting pains near your appendix, you'd grab a phone and call a doctor, not take a bread knife and begin cutting, right? :eek:

If you are planning to open an establishment, then legal concerns are only some of the issues you will have to deal with. If you want to open a microbrewery, then I would definitely read this. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0937381519/qid=1062811221/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/002-4367716-1752051?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) You may even change your mind and go for a bar/tavern instead; Entrepreneur.com has a reference for starting one of those here. (http://www.smallbizbooks.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/smallbiz/product.d2w/report?prrfnbr=143470)

Hope this helps.

[brewmonkey]

Probrewer has somewhere in its archives a library of all the states and their respective laws on what constitutes a brewpub, micro etc... It is a good resource as well it has a forum that has on it a large membership of owners and brewers across the nation that can guid and stear you to the right sources.

The BATF also has a packet that you can send for to get started with your federal issues.


A good bet if you want to spend a little extra is to hire a brewery consultant. Some of them have done multiple openings across the states and are well versed in the needs you will have.

As BC has stated laws will vary right on down to the municipality you are in. Here in KS the state sees all breweries the same, we are all considered microbreweries and not brewpubs. But we have an annual brewing limit we cannot exceed. In the town we are in we are seen not only as a brewery but a manufacturer so we had to obtain a permit for that.

The brewery planner is nice, but when it comes to investing that kind of time and money, I would not trust a $50 book alone.

[Jeff Lockhart]

Thanks guys. BC, I've got that book on order already. Unfortunately, I'm paying four dollars more;) Brew Monkey, I've been all over that site and still can't find the info. Like you said tho, laws vary. I'm Just re-starting the process so if you have any Ideas give me a shout.


Cheers
Jeff