Many restaurant owners find themselves needing to apply to the Town or City for a variance from a zoning law or code provision. For example, a local z...
Trade secrets and trade dress investments can payoff
Magnolia Bakery opened its first store in Greenwich Village, New York over 15 years ago. It is known for its cupcakes. The bakery believes its cupcake...
Special permits provide a little fun this summer
As the weather warms up – eventually – we can look forward to the many county fairs and farmers markets that are sure to liven up any summ...
Wine cork alternatives: yay or nay?
Corks are the traditional closure for wine, especially for red wines in need of aging. Wine afficionados expect to see high-grade natural cork when th...
Drunken Treasure: the aquoir wine aging process
Following several European wineries, Mira Winery, a Napa Valley winery launched in August 2012, has undertaken an unusual experiment. It submerged sev...
You can be your own landlord. Really, the SLA says so!!
There are a lot of documents, applications and questionnaires that must be submitted when applying for a liquor license with the State Liquor Authorit...
Permit for homemade wine tasting events
The SLA may issue a “miscellaneous” permit to a not-for-profit organization to conduct a tasting and/or competition for wines made by non-licensed...
Tips for start-ups: due diligence with investors or lendors
Start-ups seeking debt or equity financing will endure a due diligence process conducted by lenders and investors. Failure of the entire management te...
One way to raise money for your winery or microbrewery
One of the ways a winery or microbrewery can raise funding is through a private placement. This is where a private investor gives money to the busines...
Free information for those investigating a New York vineyard site
Vineyards historically have about a 25 year life. The infrastructure and land investment is substantial, so owners want to select the best sites to lo...