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Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Sales & Distribution Law

Practical tips for navigating the three-tier system from vine to table

  • Product Number: 2210241WBA
  • Publication Date: 2/2/2021
  • Length: 3 Hours CLE Credit Note
  • Copyright: © 2021 MCLE, Inc.
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  • Product Description
  • Agenda & Materials
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  • Product Description

    Product Description


    Massachusetts has a complex body of statutes, regulations, and case law governing the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The laws that govern the relationship between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages—known as the "three-tier system," a construct developed during Prohibition—are often the subject of lawsuits and disputes. In the highly-regulated alcoholic beverages industry, it is vital that businesses in each "tier" understand their rights and obligations with respect to others in the distribution chain. This is particularly so in Massachusetts, where wholesaler franchise protections limit the ability of suppliers to terminate their wholesaler relationships.

    Join us as our experienced panel discusses the current state of the three-tier system in Massachusetts, including the legally required separations between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. Our faculty discuss both historical and modern-day aspects of Massachusetts alcoholic beverage sales and distribution law, including: the format of the three-tier system, the scope of franchise protections afforded to Massachusetts wholesalers and how those protections have recently evolved, and the MA Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's recent decisions on pay-to-play issues and unlawful inducements. The panelists also discuss industry trends and common business concerns along with best practices for companies doing business in Massachusetts to avoid running afoul of Massachusetts laws. This new program concludes with a question and answer session with our panelists, who collectively have experience representing manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

     
  • Agenda

    Agenda & Materials

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    MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

  • Faculty

    Chair

    Michael J. Rossi, Esq., Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford LLP, Boston

    Faculty

    Anthony V. Bova, Esq.,
    J. Mark Dickison, Esq., Lawson & Weitzen LLP, Boston
    Elizabeth A. Lashway, Esq., Lashway Law LLC, Wellesley Hills
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