Bulkley Richardson Launches Craft Brew and Distillery Practice

With a growing number of clients in the space, Bulkley Richardson announces the launch of its Craft Brew and Distillery practice. The firm advises local craft breweries, wineries and distilleries in all stages of development, from startups to established businesses. Our attorneys possess a depth of expertise in the relevant areas of law to assist with startup and entity formation; state, federal and local licensing; financing; distribution agreements; intellectual property matters; real estate matters and commercial leases; construction and expansion; mergers and acquisitions; and business succession planning.

The Craft Brew and Distillery practice is led by attorneys Ryan Barry, Scott Foster, Michael Roundy and Sarah Willey.

To help launch this new practice, Bulkley Richardson has signed on as lead sponsor, alongside Berkshire Bank, of “What’s on Tap Wednesday,” the new weekly outdoor beer garden featuring local breweries. The events are held on Wednesdays after work beginning June 5 through September 18, and will rotate locations from 1350 Main Street, Duryea Way, MGM Springfield, Tower Square Park and the Shops at Marketplace. Each week will feature live music, local food and guest brewers.

The firm will also sponsor the second annual Whip City Brewfest on June 1st in Westfield to support the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. Bulkley Richardson partner, Michael Roundy has been on the festival’s planning committee from the inception and is heavily involved in the planning of the event.

Scott Foster commented, “We have the experience of working within regulated industries and Bulkley Richardson, as a firm, has the depth to handle matters from business formation to succession planning, zoning issues to construction, licensing to protection of IP assets, and contracts to employment matters.”

Ryan Barry added, “If you’re keeping an eye on the market, breweries are popping up everywhere from small basement productions to large scale commercial brands. And our brewery clients run both ends of that spectrum. We have not only the legal experience, but our group also has the business experience and resources to assist our clients achieve success.”