Episode Overview

This episode features John Szymankiewicz from the Beer Law Center, who breaks down essential legal considerations, especially for those exploring THC beverages. Learn why solid employee policies and adapting to trends are non-negotiable for success.

For more information on John and Beer Law Center, head over to https://beerlawcenter.com/

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

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Beyond the Brew: Essential Legal Advice for Craft Beverage Businesses

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we dive into a fascinating conversation from the Get Hoptimized podcast! We recently had the pleasure of speaking with John Szymankiewicz from the Beer Law Center as part of our CBC 2025 preview series. John shared invaluable insights into the craft beverage industry, legal considerations, and what to expect at the upcoming conference.

Meet John and the Beer Law Center

John Seamankitz, an attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, runs the Beer Law Center, which provides legal solutions for the craft beverage industry. With a background in chemical engineering, John brings a unique perspective to his legal practice. Initially focused on craft beer, the center has expanded to include THC beverages, cider, and distillery-related legal matters.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

Evolution of the Industry: The craft beverage industry is constantly evolving. Breweries are expanding their offerings beyond traditional beer, exploring new products like THC-infused beverages and spirits. This diversification requires businesses to adapt and understand the legal implications of these new ventures.
Legal Groundwork: John emphasized the importance of having a solid legal foundation. Whether starting a new business or dealing with regulatory issues, legal guidance is crucial. He highlighted that the Beer Law Center assists clients throughout the entire business lifecycle, from initial setup to navigating complex legal challenges.
THC Beverages: A hot topic at CBC 2025 will undoubtedly be THC beverages. John noted that many breweries are exploring this market but face regulatory uncertainties. Ensuring product traceability, proper emulsification, and avoiding messaging pitfalls are essential considerations.
Importance of Networking: John stressed the value of networking at conferences like CBC. Building connections, meeting new people, and sharing knowledge are vital for industry growth. He believes in the "rising tide lifts all boats" philosophy and is always willing to connect people with the right resources.
Time Management and Outsourcing: John and the podcast host discussed the importance of time management and outsourcing. While businesses can attempt to handle everything themselves, it's often more efficient to outsource specialized tasks like legal and marketing to experts. This allows business owners to focus on their core competencies.
Employee Policies: John highlighted the need for comprehensive employee policies. Having an alcohol policy, employee handbook, and clear guidelines for conduct is crucial for protecting businesses from potential legal issues. HR and legal considerations often intersect, requiring collaboration between different experts.

What to Expect at CBC 2025

John will be exhibiting at CBC 2025, offering legal advice and insights to attendees. He encourages anyone involved in the day-to-day operations of a craft beverage business to visit his booth. Whether you're an owner, manager, or employee, John is there to answer your questions and provide valuable guidance.

Connecting with John

If you want to connect with John, you can reach him via email at John@beerlawcenter.com. You can also find the Beer Law Center on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Threads, X, Facebook, and Instagram at @BeerLawCenter.

Final Thoughts

John's conversation provided a wealth of knowledge about the craft beverage industry and the legal landscape. Whether you're a seasoned brewer or just starting, understanding the legal implications of your business decisions is crucial. We hope this blog post has given you valuable insights and encourages you to connect with John at CBC 2025.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference! Don't forget to visit booth 1125, the Profit and Ops Center, for more resources and expert advice.

CBC 2025 Preview: Motivated To Learn From One Another with John Szymankiewicz (Beer Law Center)