Arizona Restaurant Liquor Regulation & Enforcement Lawyer

Arizona Restaurant Liquor Regulation & Enforcement Attorney

Title IV rules and regulations surrounding the production, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Arizona are complex. If you own a restaurant and you need legal assistance obtaining or defending a liquor license, you should talk to a skilled Arizona Restaurant Liquor Regulation & Enforcement Lawyer attorney who can advise you. An attorney can help ensure that you obtain and file all necessary paperwork, comply with local regulations, and resolve disputes with local governing bodies (cities, towns, counties), the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC), or other regulatory agencies.

Boesen & Snow Law: Legal Counsel for Arizona Restaurants

Boesen & Snow Law is here to help you and your business with all of your liquor regulation needs. Our team of licensing lawyers share years of experience working on complex licensing and compliance issues, including acquiring and defending a Series 12 Restaurant liquor license. Whether you’re just starting a restaurant or you’ve received an audit notice five years in, our lawyers can guide you through the complex legal requirements to defend your business.

What Are Common Liquor Regulation Issues in Arizona?

Any business that is granted a liquor license must follow complex Title IV regulations. Unlike most other business types, liquor law are so complex that Arizona has literally set them apart from all other laws in Title IV. Violating any one of the countless regulations may force you or your business to face a variety of civil or even criminal legal issues. However, disputes and issues aren’t the only legal matters you’ll run into when dealing with liquor laws in Arizona. If you run a business that requires a liquor license, then you could face any of the following legal matters:

• Applying for Your Liquor License: When you are applying for your liquor license, you will need to navigate several steps including working with local governing bodies including police and fire departments and appearing at a city counsel meeting. This may involve obtaining appropriate permits, zoning issues, and invasive investigations. . Avoiding a local governing body liquor license protest that sends your application to the Arizona Liquor Board is critical to a speedy and successful application. This can take a great deal of time and resources, which is why it’s in your interest to consult an attorney who can support your business through this process.
• Renewing Your Liquor License: While renewing your license may seem like a straightforward process, it can be easy for complications and issues to arise. The Department of Liquor Licenses and Control may use your business data report or other renewal disclosure against you in unexpected ways. Working with a lawyer can help you renew your license quickly while addressing any legal matters effectively.
• Transferring Your Liquor License: If your business is going through a period of restructuring or you are transferring the ownership of your business to another person, you might need an attorney to assist with the transfer process. Transferrable quota or lottery licenses like bar and liquor store licenses are a valuable asset that you should protect with competent legal advice during any transaction. Obtaining interim permits when purchasing or selling a business is critical to the continuity of the operation, but the Department of Liquor can deny or cancel your interim permit for many reasons that a skilled liquor attorney can help you prevent.
• Complying With Liquor Regulations: Once you secure your liquor license, it is vital that you adhere to the strict Title IV liquor laws and regulations. Your lawyer can help you better understand your responsibilities before and after you receive your license.
• Investigations of Violations: If someone files a complaint against your business that alleges a violation of Title IV liquor laws, then you can expect an investigation to commence. Even if you resolve the dispute with the other party, it will be too late, because the Department of Liquor will continue to investigate. You should seek a lawyer’s support during this process to ensure your rights are protected.
• Managing Disputes: Whether your liquor license application was protested or it was denied in a State Liquor Board hearing, of when your license is in jeopardy of revocation or suspension, a skilled Title IV liquor law attorney can help you figure out the next steps you need to take. They can negotiate on your behalf, advocate for your business, and fight to obtain or restore your license.

All of the above issues can cost you money, time, and stress. If you need assistance navigating any legal issues involving your Arizona liquor license, then you should work closely with one of our experienced attorneys who is familiar with Arizona Title IV liquor laws and regulations. We are proud of the reputation we have built for ourselves and are always prepared to offer superior legal counsel.

How Can an Arizona Liquor Law Lawyer Help You?

A liquor law attorney can help you with each step of filling out, filing for, and obtaining your liquor license. In addition to helping you with the administrative aspects of your liquor license, an attorney can also represent you against disputes and negotiate on your behalf when issues arise. Whether someone claimed you were violating liquor regulations or someone filed a complaint against your business, a lawyer can help you find a resolution.

If someone has filed a complaint against your business and claimed that you are operating with a problematic liquor license or without a license, you need to hire an attorney who has a proven track record of success defending clients in liquor license cases. A liquor license defense lawyer can:

• Review Your Case: Every liquor license is unique to the business that owns it. Because of this, your attorney will need to review your case and its specific circumstances to figure out what steps to take next.
• Gather Evidence: You need strong evidence for an effective defense. Your defense attorney can take care of this for you by investigating different pieces of evidence that will be strongest in your situation.
• Representing You Before the Department of Liquor, State Liquor Board, or in Court: If your case ends up before the Department of Liquor or State Liquor Board, or even worse in the courtroom, your attorney can represent you during all proceedings and argue on your behalf. With the right lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that you are doing everything you can to fight to get the most optimal result.
• Minimize Your Penalties: If you are found to have violated liquor laws, your attorney can fight for you to walk away with minimal penalties. Your attorney can also work to help protect your business’s public image and reputation so you have minimal fallout from your case.

What Are the Penalties for a Liquor License Violation in AZ?

If your restaurant is found violating liquor license regulations in Arizona, you can face a wide range of consequences, including the following:

• Monetary Fines: When you violate liquor laws in Arizona, you can face thousands of dollars in fines.
• Suspension of Your License: Your liquor license may be suspended if you are found to have seriously violated the terms of owning a liquor license in Arizona.
• Criminal Penalties: If you are found to have committed a serious criminal offense, such as selling alcohol to minors under the age of 21 or operating your business without a liquor license, you can likely face criminal penalties.
• Damage to Your Reputation: Liquor violations can leave a stain on your reputation. If you were operating without a license, serving minors, or over-serving customers, your business’s reputation could take a blow. It’s important to work with a lawyer who can help you navigate the fallout of these kinds of claims.

FAQs

Q: Who Enforces Liquor Laws in Arizona?

A: If you operate a restaurant that serves food and alcohol in Arizona, then you are subject to the liquor laws that the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) enforces. The employees at the DLLC are responsible for the regulation of the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and will be the ones to enforce your liquor license. They will also be involved in any disputes involving complaints or accusations about your liquor sales. Local law enforcement may also enforce Title IV liquor laws and routinely cooperates with or teams up with the DLLC on enforcement actions.

Q: What Are the Liquor Laws in Arizona?

A: If you operate a business in Arizona, then you are subject to the state’s liquor laws, which are outlined in Title 4 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. There are many laws surrounding liquor that you should be aware of, such as how you are only allowed to sell it between 6:00 A.M. and 2:00 A.M. or how selling it to people under the age of 21 is illegal. If you are found to have violated these rules or other liquor laws, it’s vital that you work with an attorney.

Q: How Much Does a Liquor License Cost in Arizona?

A: While the price of a liquor license in Arizona can vary, you can generally expect to pay a few thousand dollars in fees at the local and state level for your license. Acquiring a transferrable quota license such as bar or liquor store license can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in acquisition costs. You should also bear in mind that you are legally obligated to get a liquor license to serve alcohol at your establishment in the state of Arizona. If you are found selling alcohol without a proper license, then you can expect to have to pay hefty fines and other legal fees.

Q: Are Arizona Liquor Laws Enacted by the Legislature?

A: Yes, the state legislature enacts the state liquor laws in Arizona. Uniquely, however, the Arizona liquor industry is also closely involved in drafting and presenting proposed legislation. Understanding current laws, proposed changes, and how to participate in this process or use the laws to your benefit is critical to your business success.

Your Arizona Liquor Regulation and Restaurant Compliance Lawyers

Operating a bar, store, restaurant, or any other business, is already complicated on its own. However, when your business sells liquor, you may find yourself dealing with a myriad of new issues. At Boesen & Snow Law, our team has aided countless Arizona businesses to obtain state-issued licenses and to resolve disputes that often come along with them. We are dedicated to helping businesses thrive by helping owners adhere to regulations and operate legally and efficiently.

Whether you need assistance resolving a claim made against your restaurant or you need help filing for a liquor license in Arizona, the team at Boesen & Snow Law is prepared to help you navigate your upcoming legal proceedings. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about liquor laws in Arizona.