Arizona Liquor Licenses

Arizona has 17 different types of liquor licenses which cover every imaginable situation in which a business owner would want to produce or sell liquor, beer, and/or wine in Arizona.  Most of the licenses issued by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control are non-transferable, but there are no limits as to the number issued.  There are three transferable licenses, but they are limited in number.  These licenses are the Bar, Beer and Wine Bar, and Liquor Store Licenses and are designated Series 6, 7, and 9 respectively.

                The Series 6, Bar License, allows the retailer to sell and serve liquor primarily by individual portions which are consumed on the premises of the establishment.  The Series 7, Beer and Wine Bar License, is similar to the Bar License but limits the products served to only beer and wine.  The Series 9, Liquor Store License, allows the retailor to sell all spirituous liquors, but it must be in their original unbroken package, be taken away from the retail location, and be consumed off of the retail premises.        

                While these three licenses are transferable and limited in number, there is a way of obtaining a "new" transferable license.  Every year a lottery is held for new Series 6, 7, and 9 Licenses.  The number of new licenses issued for each county is determined by the Arizona Department of Liquor.  After the number is determined, independent auditors determine the fair market value for each license.  The amount charged varies and is based on what type of licenses it is and the county where the license is issued.

                Obtaining a liquor license is often times the most important part of starting a business in the hospitality industry and making a mistake in the process can jeopardize your ability to obtain a license.  If you want to obtain a liquor license in Arizona it important to find an attorney that is skilled in administrative law and who can guide you through the process.

Food Allergy Law

Food allergies in the United States has become a much more visible subject as millions of Americans have developed a wide variety of food allergies, many of which can cause severe reactions.   As this issue gets more attention, food allergy related laws will become more prevalent across the nation.   A couple of states have already started to take up the issue by placing additional regulations on restaurants when it comes to food allergies.  For example, earlier this year, Massachusetts passed a law that requires restaurants statewide to educate staffs on food allergies and for managers to become certified at a food allergy training course.

The federal government has also gotten involved in this issue by passing the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act back in 2006.  This act requires all packaged food to disclose the presence of real or potential allergens that are a part of the ingredient and nutrition labels.  Restaurants are not currently subject to this law, but there is always a possibility of federal legislation being passed.

While there are no current allergy laws in Arizona, it is an area that all Arizona restaurant owners, catering operations, and bar managers need to keep an eye on.  Even with no current laws in Arizona, businesses are finding that it makes good legal and business sense to acknowledge and offer solutions this growing demographic.  For example, many larger restaurant chains with standard menus have started providing allergen information voluntarily as a way to protect them from potential liability and litigation while also tapping into a growing demographic.