Hospitality Law Blog

From Expansion to Strategy: Navigating the Next Phase of the Bourbon Industry

Over the past month, Kentucky has hosted several gatherings that brought together some of the most influential voices in the bourbon industry. 

Events like DISCUS, the Jim Beam Institute Conference, and most recently Bourbonomics in Louisville have created an opportunity for leaders across distilling, hospitality, tourism, and business to reflect on where the industry is headed. 

At Bourbonomics, I was asked a question that I think captures the moment the industry is in right now.  More >

New KY Laws Bring Codified Private Barrel Selections, Satellite Tasting Rooms, and Lower Age for Alcohol-Related Jobs

As the 2022 Kentucky legislative session has come to a close, it’s time to review the new laws that emerged in Frankfort. For those in the alcoholic beverage industry, the most significant of these is HB 500, which contains several significant advances for distillers. Among these are the standardization and legalization of private barrel selection events and the opportunity for distilleries to establish satellite tasting rooms, two steps to promote bourbon tourism in the commonwealth. More >

The Intersection of Tourism and Dram Shop Liability

It’s not a stretch to link dram shop liability and Kentucky tourism these days. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the newfound ability of distilleries and craft producers to serve alcohol themselves have brought this issue into sharper focus. With the boom in alcohol tourism and on-site sampling, alcohol retailers old and new who rely on a steady stream of tourists should understand that with these new powers come new responsibilities, and dram shop liability is law in Kentucky. More >