Legislative, Government Affairs & Legal Updates

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Featured Legislative, Government Affairs & Legal Updates Content

Bart Watson: If You’re Trying to Ride Out This Wave, ‘You Should Probably Reconsider’

Bart Watson: If You’re Trying to Ride Out This Wave, ‘You Should Probably Reconsider’

Anyone looking for an answer to when craft’s current era of compounding hurdles and declines will come to an end received a reality check Wednesday during Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bart Watson’s state of the industry address, held at the start of Day 2 of the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Indianapolis.

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Stone Brewing v. MillerCoors Lawsuit Heads to Trial in October

Stone Brewing v. MillerCoors Lawsuit Heads to Trial in October

San Diego-headquartered Stone Brewing’s long-running trademark infringement lawsuit against Molson Coors’ Keystone brand will move to trial in October. Stone first brought the lawsuit against MillerCoors in February 2018 in the U.S. District Court Southern District of California, alleging that the April 2017 packaging and marketing refresh for the company’s Keystone Light brand that more prominently featured the word “Stone” infringed on the craft brewery’s intellectual property.

COVID-19 Response: Ball Increases Production of Crowler Cans; Senate Passes $2 Trillion Aid Package

COVID-19 Response: Ball Increases Production of Crowler Cans; Senate Passes $2 Trillion Aid Package

Ball Corporation has added production of 32 oz. crowler cans and expects to have a supply ready to hit the market in two days. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the $2 trillion stimulus package to aid the public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deschutes Brewery founder Gary Fish told the Bend Bulletin that the company has laid off about 60% of its staff.

Brewers Association Power Hour: Attorney Mike Drumm on How Brewery Owners Can Navigate the Coronavirus Shutdown

Brewers Association Power Hour: Attorney Mike Drumm on How Brewery Owners Can Navigate the Coronavirus Shutdown

As on-premise consumption has ceased almost nationwide in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, the preservation of capital is now paramount for both packaging and taproom breweries, attorney Mike Drumm advised craft brewers during a Brewers Association (BA) Power Hour session titled “Beer in a Time of Disruption” on Monday.

Brewers Association Cancels SAVOR for 2020

Brewers Association Cancels SAVOR for 2020

One week after canceling the annual Craft Brewers Conference in San Antonio due to concerns over the coronavirus disease COVID-19, the Brewers Association (BA) today announced the cancelation of SAVOR, the trade group’s annual craft beer and food pairing event in Washington, D.C.

99% of Craft Brewery Businesses Being Impacted by COVID-19, Brewers Association Survey Finds

99% of Craft Brewery Businesses Being Impacted by COVID-19, Brewers Association Survey Finds

Virtually every craft brewery is feeling the economic crunch from the coronavirus disease COVID-19, according to the results of a survey conducted by the Brewers Association (BA). The not-for-profit trade group, which represents the interests of small and independent craft breweries, shared the survey results this morning, and the results show what many expected and living: The industry is facing economic hardships like never before.

Coronavirus Impact on Beer Industry: Taproom Closures, Event Cancellations

Coronavirus Impact on Beer Industry: Taproom Closures, Event Cancellations

As the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 spreads across the U.S., beer companies are adjusting their businesses for a reality in which being social is discouraged. Many companies are bracing for a downturn in on-premise business, including brewery taprooms.

Brewers Association’s Bob Pease Discusses Canceling CBC, The Road Ahead for Small Brewers

Brewers Association’s Bob Pease Discusses Canceling CBC, The Road Ahead for Small Brewers

The Brewers Association (BA) made the difficult decision Thursday to cancel the 2020 edition of the Craft Brewers Conference & Brew Expo America, as well as the World Beer Cup competition, due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19. Brewbound caught up with Bob Pease, the trade group’s president and CEO, to discuss the decision and the fallout. Pease also shared that the BA has engaged members of Congress on an aid package that would benefit craft brewers and small businesses

Craft Brewers Conference Canceled

Craft Brewers Conference Canceled

The largest gathering of craft brewing industry professionals has been canceled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. After days of speculation and major events across the country canceling and postponing, the Brewers Association today announced the decision to forgo holding the 2020 edition of the Craft Brewers… Read more »