At Flaherty & O'Hara, P.C., we provide liquor licensing, transactional and litigation counseling and related services to a variety of local, regional and national clients in the beverage alcohol industry. With over 30 years combined experience, we maintain a level of understanding of beverage alcohol law that is unmatched.

This experience and knowledge enable us to assist clients in preventing or resolving problems. We have pioneered solutions to the unique challenges presented by governmental regulation of beverage alcohol. By keeping abreast of changes and trends in relevant law nationwide, we are able to provide services tailored to meet the needs of each client. We are recognized for our expertise, and for prompt and cost-effective service.

The firm serves as a "one contact" liquor law resource for licensed establishments nationwide by tracking license renewals, coordinating license acquisitions and transfers, reviewing marketing activities for compliance, and troubleshooting. We are able to partner with in-house staff to maintain a centralized database to assure compliance with reporting requirements and filing deadlines. We make sure that problems are prevented, not created. At Flaherty & O'Hara, we pay close attention to the details. We also provide training, seminars and management materials to clients to help ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.

The beverage alcohol industry is complex and highly regulated. At Flaherty & O'Hara, P.C., we have developed close working relationships with officials in local, state and national regulatory agencies, as well as with members of professional, lobbying and administrative groups. We have drafted legislation and have been leaders in setting the standard for practice in the industries we serve. We are a resource that will assist you in preventing and resolving problems. Our clients span the entire spectrum of the alcohol industry, from manufacturers to wholesalers and distributors, from restaurants, taverns and hotels to arenas, theaters, colleges and universities.

Multi-Unit Transactions

In recent years, the restaurant and hospitality industries have experienced an increase in consolidations, mergers and other transactions involving numerous properties. At Flaherty & O'Hara, we have assisted in some of the largest mergers, acquisitions, public offerings and multi-unit transactions in the history of the restaurant and hospitality industries. Our role in such transactions is to expedite the seamless transfer or acquisition of the licenses involved. On such large-scale projects, we can tap into our extensive network of state liquor attorneys to assure that approvals are obtained in a timely manner. Our involvement in such transactions provides in-house counsel, paralegals and staff with a sense of security that the liquor licenses involved are being attended to properly so they can focus on the big picture, instead of getting bogged down on minutiae.

Promotion Consulting/Compliance Analysis

At Flaherty & O'Hara, P.C., many of our clients occupy global markets and require assistance in determining whether proposed national beverage alcohol advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns comply with applicable state and federal laws. Our firm has extensive experience assisting clients in analyzing applicable law to ensure such campaigns are in compliance. We provide written legal opinions on the application of the law to our clients' marketing activities. Based on our analysis, our clients are able to make well-informed business decisions.

Liquor Licensing

Starting a business requires the coordination of many different factors, particularly when the business involves the manufacture, sale or service of alcoholic beverages. We help businesses of all sizes, from national chains to small local business owners, move from the initial idea of the new business to obtaining the liquor licenses needed and opening to customers.

Directly, and with the aid of local counsel, we are able to quickly ascertain the price and availability of liquor licenses across the country, and we can negotiate the best deal at the best price. We also can provide third-party contacts to assist clients in evaluations of existing licensed businesses and licenses when needed.

Even the most well-run business sometimes finds it necessary to defend actions brought by governmental or regulatory agencies. Our firm is instrumental in defending licensees against allegations of misconduct in administrative, trial and appellate courts.

phone: 412/456-2001
fax: 412/456-2019
email: info@flaherty-ohara.com

Copyright © 2006 by Flaherty & O'Hara, P.C. "Liquor & The Law Newsletter" is a registered trademark of Flaherty & O'Hara, P.C. Flaherty & O'Hara, P. C.