Florida has a few liquor laws that many people, even including store owners, are not familiar with. Failure to abide by these laws could put the license of someone to sell alcohol in jeopardy. Here is a rundown on a couple of lesser-known liquor-related laws in the Sunshine State.
Florida liquor laws that may not be well known
One lesser-known liquor law in Florida is that alcohol sales are banned ahead of expected hurricanes. This is the same law that gives Florida’s governor the authority to invoke curfews during a state of emergency. The goal of the statute is to discourage drinking when people are evacuating from or prepping for hurricanes.
Another noteworthy law places size limits on wine, champagne and sparking wine bottles. For instance, wine cannot be sold in containers larger than one gallon. The exception is if reusable containers of more than five gallons are used for the wine. An exemption also exists for licensed distributors and restaurants with large-scale operations. Qualified manufacturers and distributors are allowed to sell this alcoholic beverage to other qualified manufacturers and distributors in containers of any size.
How an attorney can help
Navigating Florida’s liquor license laws can be tricky, especially for new restauranteurs and bar owners. Fortunately, an attorney can help business owners who sell alcohol understand and comply with complicated sales, delivery and shipping laws, including lesser-known regulations. The attorney may also assist clients in reviewing, drafting and negotiating related contracts. The attorney’s main goal will be to protect his or her client’s rights and best interests to drive the client’s commercial success long-term.