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Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Sales & Distribution Law

  • Training

  • Region: United States
  • Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE)
  • ID: 5944881
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 as the experienced panel discusses the current state of the three-tier system in Massachusetts, including the legally required separations between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. The 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 the panelists, who collectively have experience representing manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

Course Content

2:00 - 2:05 pm
Welcome and Introduction
Michael J. Rossi, Esq.,
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford LLP, Boston

2:05 - 2:10 pm
The Three-Tier System and Why It Is Important
Elizabeth A. Lashway, Esq.,
Lashway Law LLC, Wellesley Hills

2:10 - 2:40 pm
The Legal Rights and Obligations of Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers of Alcoholic Beverages with Respect to Others in the Chain of Distribution
Anthony V. Bova, Esq.,

2:40 - 3:05 pm
Franchise Protections Available to Massachusetts Wholesalers and How Those Protections Are Enforced
Anthony V. Bova, Esq.,

3:05 - 3:35 pm
Recent Enforcement Actions by the MA ABCC Concerning Violations of the Three-Tier System
J. Mark Dickison, Esq.,
Lawson & Weitzen LLP, Boston

3:35 - 3:45 pm
Break

3:45 - 4:10 pm
Common Business Conflicts Caused by the Three-Tier System
J. Mark Dickison, Esq.,
Lawson & Weitzen LLP, Boston

4:10 - 4:35 pm
Current Issues and Trends in the Laws Governing the Sale and Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages in Massachusetts
Elizabeth A. Lashway, Esq.,
Lashway Law LLC, Wellesley Hills

4:35 - 4:45 pm
Best Practices for Operating within the Three-Tier System
Michael J. Rossi, Esq.,
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford LLP, Boston

4:45 - 5:00 pm
'Ask the Experts' Q&A Session
Panel

Please Note
This webcast is 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.

Speakers

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