The Law Offices of  Barton Morris

Hiring an attorney for acquiring a liquor license can mitigate the challenging and confusing process for business owners. It is important to follow Michigan liquor codes, especially as it relates to staying compliant within your establishments. Many restaurant owners plan to expand their establishments by obtaining liquor licenses, which may flourish their businesses. Other establishments may be dealing with liquor violations due to issues that can occur within or at the business. These may include alcoholic sales to minors or selling alcoholic beverages past the permitted time. Many businesses may need assistance to obtain a liquor license or handle concerns surrounding liquor violations, especially as it relates to the liquor control commission. Our firm help individuals and business owners, as it relates to their liquor licenses. We can be resourceful to businesses and license holders, especially as it relates to liquor violation hearings, application processes, and other business procedures. It is important to take the necessary steps toward protecting your business and liquor license.

Hire an Attorney to Remain Compliant

Our attorneys can be helpful for these businesses, as it relates to liquor violation hearings. At times, license holders may receive violations that have occurred at the business. Some common violations that occur include selling or serving minors, selling alcoholic beverages past the permitted time, unauthorized transfer of a license, violation of the open container law, and selling alcoholic beverages to a visibly intoxicated person. A hearing before the liquor control commission may occur after a complaint has been made to your establishment. An attorney may be helpful during these hearings, and they serve as legal aid for the business owner and the establishment. They can help owners with their legal situations, mitigate any possible issues, and strategize a successful plan for moving forward. Many business owners may not be aware of the applicable Michigan liquor codes. Attorneys can be a resourceful way of helping owners and employees understand the applicable liquor codes and administrative rules. Also, they can assist businesses with staying compliant with their city’s ordinances, to further protect the establishment’s liquor licenses. Having legal counsel will help avoid future violations, which are harmful to the business. It is within the best interest of the business to follow rules and regulations towards protecting your license. Taking active measures and hiring an attorney is a beneficial way towards protecting your business and its licenses.

Application Process

We assist the applicant with the documentation and overall application towards obtaining a liquor license. Some of these applications may require purchase agreements, operating agreements, corporate documents, and property documents for the application. Legal counsel can assist with the documentation to become licensed. Some attorneys have years of experience with liquor licensing and play a significant role in the application process for owners and individuals. These attorneys often have personal relationships with members of the Liquor Control Commission and with local city officials, making it easier to build a relationship as a business owner. It is helpful to seek legal advice or counsel if the individual is unable to complete the liquor application on their own. It is always valuable to contact an attorney with questions or concerns about liquor violations or the application process for the license you are seeking. They can assist with obtaining a liquor license for many establishments such as convenience stores, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, events, restaurants, among other types of retail businesses. Also, if there is a lack of quota licenses available, one may seek out any attorney for additional information on redevelopment and development district licensing.

Hire an Attorney for Growth Potential

Attorneys may assist already licensed establishments with expanding their current operations. Specifically, legal counsel may assist with additional licensing and permits at the facility or for a new establishment. Permits for off-premises locations may include Sunday Sales Permit (AM) and (PM), catering permits, and beer and wine tasting permits. Some on-premises permits include outdoor service, catering, dancing, entertainment, and extended hours permits. To expand businesses, it is important to be aware of the applicable rules and city ordinances. There may be certain rules and conditions cities have in place for these additional permits. Hire an attorney so they may assist you or your business with following the rules and for any additional steps needed to expand operations. It is important to comply with liquor codes and have an understanding of the legalities in licensed establishments.

Hire an Attorney to Transfer a License

Additionally, individuals and businesses may need assistance with license transferring. It is important to follow proper policies and procedures when applying for and receiving a liquor license. Many individuals or owners may need assistance with selling their business and liquor license to another business. An attorney may assist with such transfer of business and licenses, according to Michigan Liquor Codes and city ordinances. It can be helpful to have someone on your side who may have an understanding of applicable rules for selling or purchasing a liquor license.  Such guidance can be helpful for the application process and additional steps when buying or selling a business with liquor licenses. It can be crucial to follow the liquor codes as it applies to buying or selling of a liquor license.

Business Procedures

Moreover, legal counsel can be helpful with instituting business procedures for establishments. Specifically, attorneys can draft employee handbooks, which is an extremely valuable resource for the business. These handbooks may help the business, as they establish rules and procedures that employees must follow. These handbooks may include Michigan liquor codes to guide the employees and inform them of the consequences of their actions. They can serve as an effective way of holding these employees responsible. Such polices and regulations can keep businesses organized and keep them up to date with city’s ordinances and liquor codes.

Often, many businesses especially within the restaurant industry, businesses face issues with staffing and regulations. With a licensed establishment, violations occur often due to a lack of business rules in place. Many employers may not have spent the time to detail and explain the organizations code of conduct with staff members. Therefore, these handbooks can be a positive way of communicating the necessary rules for employees. Attorneys are helpful to employers because they have a better understanding of applicable rules and regulations, especially as it relates to protecting your liquor license. It is important to implement positive changes to your business such as developing a handbook to encourage employee engagement and rule following.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining liquor licenses and expanding businesses can be challenging for business owners. Hire an attorney to ensure your business is prepared and familiar with the liquor license process, and with Michigan Liquor Codes and your city’s ordinances. This assists with many concerns an owner may have, especially as it relates to the development of businesses. Also, attorneys may assist with liquor license violations and administrative hearings that establishments may receive. Legal aid can help protect your liquor license and assist with remaining compliant. License holders may experience a variety of challenges as it relates to their business and attorneys are helpful to manage legal issues. Schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of Barton Morris for your establishment’s business needs. Whether you are looking to expand your current operations or are looking to start a new business venture, our dedicated and professional attorneys can guide you through the process. From finding a real estate location through our brokerage, CLG Realty Advisors, to obtaining a liquor license, or fighting a violation with the MLCC, our team is here to help!