It is not an uncommon occurrence. A customer or patron makes an inappropriate sexual comment to a server or, even worse, engages in some inappropriate touching. Whenever alcohol is involved—as is the case in most brewery-customer interactions—the risks of unfortunate patron conduct increase. While, as the employer, you may feel that such customer conduct may […]
Time and again, activated sludge systems—aerobic or anaerobic—have failed to effectively treat brewery wastewater. The challenge lies in the variability of effluent characteristics. It is this variability which upsets the organisms responsible for removing organics. While these systems can sometimes work well, organisms, like people, are sensitive creatures. And once they’re upset, it can take […]
Following on my last post, Five Trade Practice Tips and Traps, there was an update to the ABC law in the state of California that is worth noting, since it likely will affect a New York State brewery that intends to use social media in general, to have a website, and maybe to eventually distribute […]
On December 23, 2015, the New York State Department of Labor adopted new regulations for certain tipped employees in the hospitality industry. The new regulations raise the minimum wage for “food service workers” and “service employees” to $7.50 per hour (from $5.00 and $5.65, respectively) and reduce the maximum available “tip credit” for such employees […]
As holiday season sales are in full swing and your beers are flying off the shelves, your brewery might think of adding some fuel to the fire by kicking your marketing and advertising up a notch. Here are five common issues that confront beverage alcohol suppliers that maybe don’t seem to be a problem on […]
In recent columns I discussed the need for successful companies to have a workforce skilled in 21st-century technology and the fact that competing in a global economy requires evaluation of our organization, workforce, and processes, respectively. Now I would like to focus on changing company culture to attract a workforce with those necessary skill sets. […]
You’ve located the perfect spot for your new or expanded brew and tasting location. You’ve identified and contracted with a suitable consultant and requested that they perform a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. The Phase I report is issued and you learn that your ideal location is impacted by prior uses at the site. Deep breath—your […]
Do you have a brewery in planning or are you thinking about starting your own brewery in New York? Congratulations! Below is a legal to do list in chronological order for you to consider as you begin the process. The list covers everything from trademarks, to commercial leases, to your federal and state brewing licenses, […]
Employee use of social media can be a tricky area for employers. As we all know, social media profiles can be a mix of personal and work-related content. But employers who discipline or terminate employees based on statements made on social media run the risk of violating the law. Section 7 of the National Labor […]
In the first part of this series, I covered the benefits of copyright registration for brewers. This article addresses and equally important topic: whether you as a brewer are the owner of the copyright in your label art. This is important because copyright literally protects the right to make copies, which includes the right to […]