Measure 91 grants the OLCC the authority to tax, license, and regulate recreational marijuana. But what is this mysterious multi-lettered agency? The OLCC, as the name suggests, is an agency which is led by a commission (rather than a department led by a single executive officer). The commission administers the Liquor Control Act, ORS chapter […]
On November 4, Oregon’s voters approved a complex regulatory system to legalize recreational marijuana. Measure 91 directs the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to regulate, license, and tax recreational marijuana. As you can anticipate, a winemakers’ lawyer works with the OLCC often. I find the Measure 91 regulations and rulemaking progress fascinating (who wouldn’t?!). I have […]
Winemakers aren’t the only regulated industry in this country. Architects, real estate agents, and yes, even lawyers are subject to regulation. Folks who work within the financial industry — investments and securities — are regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Disputes arising within the umbrella of securities — investment disputes or employment — are […]
A recent letter to the Corvallis editor sparked my interest — please read it and please do vote. If your time is pressed, here is a synthesis: “Measure 88 would provide a safe and legal way for all Oregonians to get to work, school and church, and help lead a productive life.” Please vote yes […]
The Washington State Liquor Control Board is seeking input on proposed wine regulations. The proposed regulations have some expanded rights for domestic wineries (albeit those that pay an extra fee). As the regs currently stand, a domestic winery can apply for additional location licenses — for example, serving samples, selling wine, and renting spaces. The […]
Happy 2014 harvest, everyone. Reports from the field: clean grapes, very few birds, practically no hens & chickens. I’m predicting that the ’14 vintage pinot noirs will be jammy and robust but with fewer tannic spirit than the ’12s, which was a remarkably dry year. I visited some of my friends (and clients) last week […]
I walked through a parking lot on a hot day the other day and saw a child unattended in car. The windows of the car were rolled up but the sunroof was open. The little girl sitting in the car playing on her ipad couldn’t have been more than eight years old. What would you […]
I wrote this up for Jean Yates (who is brilliant, by the way — if you need dynamic social media for your winery — if you want to increase your tasting room sales — you should call her right away) and wanted to share: http://oregon-wine.com/wineries-want-big-fine-use-volunteers/ Because this is what can (will?) happen: http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_26541167/castro-valley-winery-fined-115-000-using-volunteers
Oscar Wilde said, “Charity creates a multitude of sins.” One sin a non-profit or charitable entity can inadvertently partake in? Failing to secure permission from the OLCC to hold a raffle or auction of wine. The good news? That sin can be erased by following a few easy (and free!) steps to be in compliance with […]
I often see bright young people eager to begin their professional careers by agreeing to volunteer in exchange for substantive work experience and a strong line on their resumes. If the organization for whom they are working is a municipality or a non-profit, this isn’t likely to raise my concerns. But when an employer is […]