Hinman & Carmichael In The News

Hinman & Carmichael spotlighted by Family Winemakers of California, December 09, 2024.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Hinman & Carmichael, LLP

Since 1989, Hinman & Carmichael LLP has been a leader in providing specialized legal services to the alcoholic beverage industry. Founded by Lynne Carmichael and John Hinman, the firm focuses on the laws governing the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Today, the firm is guided by John and his partners, Beth Aboulafia and Erin Kelleher, both recognized experts in their fields.

Their expertise spans licensing, qualification, business and marketing practices, and regulatory representation. The firm has decades of experience representing clients before state and federal agencies, including the California ABC and federal TTB, and assisting with direct-to-consumer shipping regulations. Additionally, they provide expert witness services, counsel on acquisitions and licensing, and address complex distribution agreements.

Hinman & Carmichael LLP is deeply rooted in the statutes, rules, and policies governing the U.S. alcohol marketplace, offering clients up-to-date insights on legal developments. They’ve long been Associate Members and trusted advisors to Family Winemakers of California, reflecting their commitment to the industry.

Beyond client services, their attorneys share their knowledge through teaching courses at UC Davis, Sonoma State University Wine Business School, and presenting at industry conferences such as NCSLA and NAWR.

The firm also provides pro bono legal support to organizations like Wine America, Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, and the California Nightlife Association, while maintaining memberships in key trade groups, including the Wine Institute, Sonoma County Vintners Association, and Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.

For new or established members of the industry, Hinman & Carmichael LLP emphasizes the importance of comprehensive legal planning to navigate the complexities of alcoholic beverage regulations. Learn more about their expertise at www.beveragelaw.com.

Founding Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-Searcher's article by W. Blake Gray, “End of Chevron Deference could cause Wine Chaos”, July 09, 2024.

Partner, John Hinman was featured in WineAmerica's seminar titled “Communication Discipline for the Wine Industry” where he spoke about communication discipline for trade associations of industry members and members themselves. April 23, 2024.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in SevenFifty Daily’s article by Andrew Kaplan “The Keys to a Successful Beverage Partnership”, March 04, 2024.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in San Francisco Chronicle’s article by Esther Mobley, “This company controls much of the alcohol industry. Can a lawsuit and the feds break its grip?”, January 29, 2024.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in GuildSomm’s article by Jeff Siegel, “A Brief History of the Three-Tier System in America”, September 22, 2023.

Founding Partner John Hinman quoted in Liza B. Zimmerman’s article “Oregon Uproar over Underage Liquor Drops” on Wine Searcher (February 07, 2023).

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Practical Ecommerce’s article by Jeff Siegel, “Disclosure Rules for Alcohol, Cannabis Sales”, February 1, 2023.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Practical Ecommerce’s article by Jeff Siegel, “Is Online Marijuana the Next Big Thing?”, November 13, 2022.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White interviewed for the Wine Analytics November 2022 Report piece on “Texting for Engagement and Sales” (“wineries should confirm age before communicating by SMS, clearly disclose the name and location of the company responsible for the communication (this could also be the website, which should have a privacy policy), state the message should not be forwarded to anyone younger than 21, provide clear opt-in and opt-out instructions and convey no information that is false, misleading or contains any prohibited content.”)

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Beverage Industry News Magazine. Rebecca has been quoted in an article by Tina Caputo, “Preparing for Drinks Industry Ownership” on Page 30. (October 2022)

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in SevenFifty Daily’s article by Tina Caputo, “The Drinks Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Ownership”, September 05, 2022.

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show’s “The Key to Mastering the World of Private and Control Labels” post on LinkedIn. (May 27, 2022).

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Wine Industry Advisor article by Jeff Siegel, “Provi v. SGWS and RNDC” about the potential viability of the lawsuit and what it means for the alcohol industry, April 15, 2022.

Founding Partner John Hinman extensively quoted in Ferron Salniker’s April 11, 2022 “Legal Experts: Provi Suit Against Distributors ‘A Major Antitrust Case’” article on BevNET.com (April 2022).

Founding Partner John Hinman quoted in W. Blake Gray’s April 1, 2022 “Antitrust Suit Leaves Big Distributors Sweating” article on Wine Searcher (April 2022).

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show’s “What is the difference between private labels and control labels?” post on LinkedIn. (March 2022).

Founding Partner John Hinman quoted in W. Blake Gray’s February 10, 2022 “US Treasury Pushes Alcohol Reforms” article on Wine Searcher (February 2022).

Founder John Hinman extensively quoted in Liza Zimmerman’s October 7, 2021 “Wine & Politics: A Perfect Match” article on Wine Searcher (October 2021).

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White cited in a Wine Industry Advisor article about the Biden Administration's new antitrust executive order (August 12, 2021).

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White interviewed for the June 2021 Wine Analytics Report about the future of cocktails to go and other pandemic-related regulatory relief ("we’re seeing a lot of interesting legislative proposals in the different states, including opening up cocktails to-go more permanently and easing DtC restrictions") and the likely future for federal cannabis legalization ("It depends on how cannabis gets legalized, what vehicle the Democrats choose to go with. But I think the challenge that they’re dealing with is that they can only really do reconciliation. They only have a simple majority. There’s a limit as far as the kind of legislation they can actually do.") June 2021.

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article about the lack of due process in alcohol law enforcement during the pandemic, “The ABC is using the Covid-19 crisis as an excuse to implement an agenda of permanent 'emergency' orders that would abrogate licensee rights to defend themselves and their licenses in administrative proceedings.” Dec 10, 2020.

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in Forbes (online) article about Total Wine’s fines over gift card violations in New York. Take a look here. Dec 9, 2020

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article about Total Wine’s dispute with the NYSLA over their circulation of gift cards, “It is a symbol of a larger issue," shares John Hinman, a beverage alcohol specialist and a San Francisco-based partner in the law firm of Hinman & Carmichael LLP. "The underlying offense is that they are operating as a multi-state chain.” Dec 8, 2020.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article about the 2020 election as a turning point for cannabis, “I think when you look back to the end of Prohibition for alcohol, the timing is pretty similar," cannabis attorney Rebecca Stamey-White told Wine-Searcher. "States are seeing the opportunity. The regulators are talking to each other. And you are starting to see regions. The West and the Mountain West are becoming cannabis states, red and blue." Nov 10. 2020.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article regarding big brewers looking toward cannabis, “The regulatory challenges and the production challenges in making those products has led to somewhat of a monotone set of offerings around seltzers. I didn't expect that trend to be quite so large. Right now there are very few manufacturers that are doing (cannabis) beverages. I thought there'd be more by now.” Nov 8, 2020.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in North Bay Business Journal (online) article about the disparity between winery, brewery, and distillery tasting rooms, “They made the case. I don’t know if the beer or the spirits industry has the same clout or access to be able to make that case.” July 22, 2020.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Super Lawyers (online) article “Nipping Startup Concerns in the Bud: The cannabis industry is financially rewarding, but complicated, in NorCal,” July 20, 2020.

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on Tennessee’s right to enforce residency laws, “Other state alcohol laws, such as those that give different wholesale rights to large and small suppliers, may also be vulnerable.” June 27, 2019.

Founding Partner John Hinman featured in Wine Business (online) article regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on Tennessee’s right to enforce residency laws, “While affirming that the Tennessee residency requirements were unconstitutional because they were protectionist and served no legitimate purpose, the Court articulated a Commerce Clause test for measuring the constitutionality of all commercial restrictions on interstate alcohol sales (not just wine).” June 27, 2019.

Founding Partner John Hinman is featured in a interview with Wine Industry Advisor on the pending ABC emergency order and how this puts alcohol license holders at risk. Take a look here. (May 22, 2020).

Senior Counsel Barbara Snider featured in Forbes (online) article on ADA legal challenges for wine websites today, “There is an ongoing ADA regulations battle being waged against commercial websites; including those operated by wineries and other alcoholic beverage industry members.” May 10, 2019.

Robert M. Tobiassen, President of the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), and past Chief Counsel for the TTB, quoted in Forbes (online) magazine from a Hinman & Carmichael blog post regarding federal rules stifling wine business innovations, “A lack of a clear articulation of the ‘subterfuge standard’ is unfair and has led to permit suspensions…” April 25, 2019.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Beverage Industry News (online) article on the relationship between cannabis and alcohol, “The goal with vertical integration was to emphasize local control, and to avoid the complications of three-tier.” April 2019 edition.

Partner John Hinman featured in Beer Insights March 25th publication segment focusing on recent TTB Actions, which were a big subjection of discussion at the recent NABCA Legal Symposium. Take a look here. Beer Marketer’s INSIGHTS. March 25, 2019.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Forbes (online) article on legal, wine-focused social media posts, “Now it’s explicitly permissible to advertise these events with photos, which is helpful, since every social media platform these days focuses on photos and video,” on February 19, 2019.

Partner John Hinman featured in Forbes (online) article on wine adulterating accusations in Italy, “…it is usually an employee or a competitor that turns them in to the authorities.” on January 22, 2019.

Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article on Measure C dividing Napa residents. Trying to seek a balance between agriculture, parkland, wineries and tourism “is a healthy process and all of us are interested in it in the Napa Valley.” on January 14, 2019.

Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article on Illinois payout to the TTB, “Usually the TTB fines are roughly equal to the amount that the industry member would spend defending the case.” on December 12, 2018.

Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article on Florida Interstate Shipping, “We will see more esoteric imports and the development of more craft markets, as well as a bigger auction market.” on November 27, 2018.

Senior Associate Erin Kelleher featured in Wine Business (online) article on alleged illegal consignment sales, “They are either authorized to do the activities that are permitted by statute (if they are licensed) or to perform services as an agency for the winery.” on November 15, 2018.

Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article on wine shipping, “It requires Michigan to treat in-state and out of state retailers the same. That is the epitome of fair.” on November 7, 2018.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Forbes (online) article on Cannabis Beer and Wine, “For the time being, alcohol and cannabis products need to stay in their own lanes - they need to be either cannabis beverages or alcoholic beverages, not both.” on November 6, 2018.

Partner John Hinman featured in Wine-Searcher (online) article on tainted wine cork lawsuit, “This is a troubling question because TCA or cork taint problems often get mixed up with other problems (such as problems with filling machines),” on October 27, 2018.

Partner John Hinman featured in Spirited (online) article on retailer residency requirements, “In-state retailers and wholesalers do well in states that are open, such as California. Local retailers and wholesalers can compete by focusing more on hard-to-get goods and customer service.” on October 26, 2018.

Partner John Hinman featured in Forbes (online) article on interstate wine and spirits shipping, “This is a direct attack on the restrictive and mandatory three-tier system.” on October 11, 2018.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in SevenFiftyDaily (online) article on navigating regulatory hurdles of alcohol/cannabis crossover events, “If you have an 02 [winery] licensed premises, I would not recommend doing cannabis events [there],” on August 9, 2018.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in North Bay Business Journal (online) article, “I talked to folks who want to do a whiskey experience with cannabis. ... I think cannabis drinks (are) going to be huge.”, on August 3, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-Searcher (online) article, "By getting in now, WSWA can turn their lobbying forces to assuring that cannabis is 'regulated like alcohol'[...]", on August 2, 2018.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Mother Jones (online) article, "Every state that has a legal cannabis program deals with on-premises consumption a little bit differently, with most not permitting it[...]," on August 2, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "There is a tacit agreement if it doesn't get voted out of committee it dies," on June 25, 2018.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in The Press Democrat (online) article, "I think the alcohol industry is very much paying attention to cannabis and finding out ways to get involved," on June 26, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Texas Tribue (online) article, "Under the influence: Big spending liquor interests, arcane laws keep iconic barbecue join from making wine," on May 3, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Pay-to-Play Schemes Keep TTB Busy," on April 14, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Walmart Wines Over Texas Spirits Sales," on April 10, 2018.

Partner John Hinman, and Robert Torbiassen, Compliance Consultant and Former Chief Counsel (TTB), quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Controversy Erupts Over Label Law," on February 6, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Press Democrate (online) article, "Regulators investigate Napa, Sonoma Wineries & Distributors for Illegal Trade Practices," on March 6, 2018.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Wine Industry Advisor (online) article, "Considering Wine & Weed Events...Not So Fast," on February 1, 2018.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Laying Down the Distribution Law," on November 29, 2017.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine & Spirits Daily Newsletter, "Much Ado About Aldi," on November 16, 2017.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Weed Looks to Wine for Business Model," on November 4, 2017.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Wholesalers Block Shipping to 36 States," on October 27, 2017.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Meininger's Wine Business International (online) article, "Amazon Shutters Amazon Wine," on October 25, 2017.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Amazon Folds on Online Wine Sales," on October 25, 2017.

Senior Counsel Barbara Snider’s synopsis of advice to a winery facing an FDA inspection is published in Agriculture Daily, "FDA Makes Surprise Visists as Winery Inspections Begin," on July 4, 2017.

Partner John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher (online) article, "Pay-to-Play Scandal Exposed," on August 25th, 2017.

Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Beverage Industry Enthusiast article, "Wine & Weed Symposium Explores Joint Issues," on August 7, 2017.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White's recent work helps inform a Wine Business online article, "Six Ways Wine and Weed are Similar -- and One Major Difference," on August 7, 2017.

Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in The Press Democrat (online) article, "At Wine and Weed Symposium, vintners find themselves surrounded by economic opportunity," on August 3, 2017.

Rebecca Stamey-White takes to the airwaves on Airtalk "Discussing the CA bill looking to restrict how state-licenses cannabis businesses advertise," on July 31, 2017.

John Hinman was quoted in Wine Searcher's article, "California Flip Flops on Wine Delivery Law," on July 29, 2017.

Rebecca Stamey-White was quoted in Spirited Magazine (online) article, "Going Green: Legalization of Marijuana for Recreational Use Brings Challenges and Opportunities to the Alcohol Beverage Industry," on July 13, 2017.

John Hinman quoted in Wine-searcher.com's article, "Liquor Laws Outpaced by Technology," on June 29, 2017.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White was quoted in Leafly's news article, "California Bill Would Ban Cannabis-Branded Hats, T-Shirts, Other Merchandise," on June 27, 2017.

Senior Counsel Barbara Snider featured in Wines & Vines Magazine (online) article, "FDA Begins Winery Inspections," on June 22nd, 2017.

John Hinman, in Spirited Magazine (online), continues his review of the regulatory focus on alcoholic beverage industry in Inside Beverage Law: The Corruption Chronicles (Part 2). (See also, Inside Beverage Law: The Corruption Chronicles (Part 1).

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Tom Wark's Fermentation Blog article, "Time to Question the Weed & Wine Collaboration Scenario" on March 2nd, 2017.

Partner Rebecca Stamey-White was quoted in Wine Industry Advisor's March 1, 2017 article "Wine & Weed Symposium 2017: Strange Bedfellows or Opportunity Knocking?". She will be a featured speaker at the Wine & Weed Symposium on August 3rd, 2017.

John Hinman and Kay Philippakis, in the North Bay Business Journal, review the risks of using Third Party Providers to market wine.

Rebecca Stamey-White featured in Wines & Vines article "Will Weed Tourism compete with Wine?"

John Hinman awarded as one of the "Top 50 Wine Industry Leaders" in Wine Business Monthly's December Issue. Head over to www.winebusiness.com to download the issue, or check out the excerpt here.

Rebecca Stamey-White featured on KRCB Radio in segment "Cannabis and Cabernet: Collaborators or Competitors?", interviewed by Bruce Robinson. Stream it here.

After the North Coast Wine Industry Expo Trade Show & Conference, partner Rebecca Stamey-White featured in The Press Democrat's article on the possibility of the wine and cannabis industries pairing up.

Rebecca Stamey-White to speak at Session 3 of the Wine Industry Expo Conference on "Marijuana and Wine: Understanding New Competition to Build New Opportunities" tomorrow (12/1/2016) in Santa Rosa, CA 11:15am - 12:15am. Register here.

Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Leafly's news article, September 30, 2016 "13 Things You Might Not Know About California's Prop. 64"

Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Leafly's news article, August 16, 2016 "Federal Court Bars Justice Department From Prosecuting Medical Cannabis"

John Hinman quoted in the Wine & Spirits Daily, June 22, 2016: " CA Lege Assesses "Nightmare" Tied House Exemption Bill"

John Hinman's recent Booze Rules post noted and linked to in Shipcompliant Blog Post, Feb. 18, 2016: "New Ruling from TTB Categorically Manages Category Management"

John Hinman quoted in the Sacramento Bee, Jan. 4, 2016: "Number of CA Alcohol Cops Drops as Industry Grows"

Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Wine Spectator, Unfiltered, Dec. 17, 2015: "Renwood Winery Scores a Victory Over the ABC"

Tom Wark's Fermentation blog calls Booze Rules "one of the most important sources of information concerning liquor law anywhere on the Internet." Why, thank you, Tom! Fermentation, Dec. 9, 2015: "The New BOOZE RULES Is Required Reading"

Rebecca Stamey-White quoted in Wine Spectator, Unfiltered, Oct. 15, 2015: "California Tries, Fails to Address Confusing Social Media Laws"