DISCUS Academy: Trade Practice and Tied-House Considerations: What Do They Mean?

Unlike other consumer goods, beverage alcohol faces a myriad of regulations at every stage of the process from production to retail sale. Alcohol is not only highly regulated in how it is sold, but also in who and what interest someone can have in an alcohol beverage supplier or retail company and how those companies may interact with each other. This course covers the main concepts of “trade practice” restrictions and “tied house” laws to better understand how to navigate these muddy waters.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the basics of what trade practice restrictions cover and who they apply to
2. Develop an appreciation for both the direct and indirect ways tied-house restrictions prevent multi-tier ownership interests
3. Understand the key exceptions for tied-house” restrictions at the federal and state level primarily for smaller, craft distillers

CLE credit pending approval (2 credit hours)