We are a resource that will assist you in preventing and resolving problems.

Practice Areas

Our clients span the entire spectrum of the alcohol industry, from original source to consumption - from brewers, vintners and distillers to wholesalers and distributors, from restaurants, taverns and hotels to arenas, theaters, colleges and universities.

At Flaherty & O'Hara, we have assisted in some of the largest mergers, acquisitions, public offerings, going-private transactions and other multi-unit transactions in the history of the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Multi-Unit Transactions

In recent years, the restaurant and hospitality industries have experienced an increase in consolidations, mergers and other large-scale transactions involving numerous properties.

Our role in such transactions is to expedite the seamless transfer or acquisition of the liquor licenses involved and to act as a "one contact" liquor law resource to assist in-house and outside transactional counsel.

On such large-scale projects we tap into our extensive network of independent state liquor attorneys and consultants to assure that approvals are obtained in a timely manner. We are founding members of the Alliance of Hospitality Industry Attorneys and Consultants, the preeminent network of licensing attorneys and consultants in the U.S. 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 are able to focus on the big picture, instead of getting bogged down on a minutiae.

Liquor Licensing

We assist businesses of all sizes, from national chains to small local business owners, to move from the initial idea of a new business to obtaining the liquor licenses needed and opening to customers.

Promotion Consulting/ Compliance Analysis

For many of our clients, who occupy global markets, we provide assistance in determining whether proposed alcohol advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns comply with applicable state and federal laws. We provide written legal opinions on the application of the law to our clients' marketing activities, based on which our clients make well-informed business decisions.

Enforcement Defense

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

Training

We provide or arrange training seminars and written guides to help our clients ensure compliance with the rules and regulations governing the sale and service of alcohol.