
Debunking Franchise Law Myths
Franchise laws impact thousands of small and independent brewers nationwide, yet misconceptions persist. In this article we highlight five of the biggest myths about the brewer-distributor relationship.Read More
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As U.S. businesses, craft breweries are governed by both federal and state legislation, as well as the regulations of various government agencies. In this section, the Brewers Association provides guidance to help breweries understand the legislation affecting them and to ensure compliance with regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and more.
Franchise laws impact thousands of small and independent brewers nationwide, yet misconceptions persist. In this article we highlight five of the biggest myths about the brewer-distributor relationship.Read More
Dr. J Jackson-Beckham is an author, speaker, and vocal advocate for the craft beverage community. After being named the Brewers Association’s first Equity & Inclusion Partner in 2018, she went on to lead both its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion department, and its Member Resources team until 2025. Today, she continues to support the industry as an independent thought leader and changemaker.
See J Jackson-Beckham's ArticlesAn expert panel discusses how changing U.S. trade policies and tariffs shaping the craft brewing landscape.Read More
Whether you are new to government affairs or a seasoned advocate, these five strategies for getting involved in state-level government affairs can help you get started on advocating for policy change.Read More
Sam DeWitt works state government affairs for the Brewers Association, and has lobbied craft beer bills from the east coast to Hawaii, on a wide range of topics from franchise reform and excise tax to self-distribution and direct-to-consumer shipping of beer. He has a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from the University of Montana and fell in love with craft brewing as an undergraduate in Missoula.
See Sam DeWitt's ArticlesLearn about existing and proposed tariffs, how tariffs are implemented, and how small and independent breweries could be impacted.Read More
In today's shifting landscape, alcohol perception varies among generations, while public health advocates push for stricter policies. This seminar, led by Christopher Shepard, editor of Alcohol Issues INSIGHTS, navigates the complex terrain of alcohol science and policy, equipping industry members with clarity and perspective to engage in discussions effectively.Read More
Missouri small suppliers get a favorable franchise law court decision in Major Brands v. Mast-Jägermeister case.Read More
Marc Sorini, vice president of government affairs for the Brewers Association, is a beer lover and homebrewer who has served as a counsel for small and independent craft brewers for more than two decades. Marc holds a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and when he's not contemplating beverage alcohol law, he's homebrewing with his adult kids.
See Marc Sorini's ArticlesThis post runs through some of the history, data, and current debates over cannabis to try to give a sense of how these markets have interacted with craft in the past, and how they might in the future.Read More
Bart Watson, president and chief executive officer for the Brewers Association, is a stats geek, beer lover, and Certified Cicerone. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where in addition to his dissertation, he completed a comprehensive survey of Bay Area brewpubs one pint at a time. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BrewersStats.
See Bart Watson's ArticlesThis seminar explores the expanding cider market and strategies for breweries to tap into it. Panelists discuss business models like in-house cider production, partnering with a cidery, or sharing production space. Topics include market trends, tax implications, and collaboration considerations, offering insights for breweries looking to diversify their offerings.Read More
The renewal period is now open for breweries to register, update, and renew. Failure to do so if you are required to is prohibited. Read More
The Brewers Association Technical Brewing Projects Team has over 50 years of craft beer industry experience and works alongside the Technical Committee to promote access to raw materials; support research and advances in sustainability, education, technology, and raw materials; foster a commitment to holistic safety, quality, and operational excellence; support the well-being and a sense of belonging of the people of the craft brewing community; and promote sustainable operational practices that enhance environmental stewardship. The team comprises Chuck Skypeck, Technical Brewing Projects Director; Katie Fromuth, Technical Brewing Projects Manager; and Adriana Terrón, Technical Brewing Projects Administrative Specialist.
See Technical Team's ArticlesAn Iowa court decision on expanded direct sales to retailers could pave the way for greater self-distribution by suppliers.Read More
Marc Sorini, vice president of government affairs for the Brewers Association, is a beer lover and homebrewer who has served as a counsel for small and independent craft brewers for more than two decades. Marc holds a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and when he's not contemplating beverage alcohol law, he's homebrewing with his adult kids.
See Marc Sorini's ArticlesExplore the Brewers Association's most high-value resources and tools in one click. Need some additional guidance? Click here to setup a resource meeting with Graham, the BA's Engagement Coordinator.
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