Unfair trade practice laws affect every beverage alcohol business in the United States.
Yet understanding them often seems to require a law degree.
Until now.
Introducing a vital new resource for operators doing business in California.
Written by a lawyer.
For yOU.
“I’m unaware of anything else like this. We now have a comprehensive manual on Federal and California trade practices that is accessible and complete.”
—Tom Wark, Executive Director, National Association of Wine Retailers
Distilling Alcohol Law: California & Federal Unfair Trade Practice Laws
This first-of-its-kind reference guide for alcoholic beverage industry insiders enables readers to quickly find answers when compliance questions or problems arise. Practical, engaging, and written in straightforward language by alcohol regulatory attorney Gillian Garrett, it will quickly become an indispensable resource for operators of all sizes and at every stage of the business life cycle, as well as for the lawyers who advise them. Publication date: March 2026.
$399
Format
eBook
Language
English
Pages
341 pages
If You Operate in the Beverage Alcohol Space in California, This Book Is for You
Wineries
Breweries
Distilleries
Importers
Distributors
Restaurants
Bars
Clubs
Stores
Hotels
Venues
how Your Business will Benefit
Distilling Alcohol Law gives alcohol beverage producers, distributors, and retailers the knowledge and confidence needed to confidently tackle routine and unexpected regulatory hurdles so their businesses can thrive. You’ll come away with:
- A firm grasp of the complex laws regulating alcohol beverage businesses in the United States.
- A nuanced understanding of how California’s extensive framework of alcohol laws tracks and supplements—and sometimes conflicts with—federal laws
- Expert guidance on what industry members can do to take advantage of business opportunities offered by regulatory exceptions and carve-outs
- Expert guidance on what to expect and do if state or federal regulators contact you about a potential investigation or violation.
What You Will Learn
Distilling Alcohol Law focuses on how unfair trade practice laws are applied in real-world beverage alcohol operations, with particular emphasis on navigating the compliance challenges businesses most frequently face, including:
- The many types of alcohol beverage businesses regulated under California and federal law
- The four categories of unfair trade practices prohibited under federal and California law: exclusive retail outlet, tied house, commercial bribery, and consignment sales
- The relationship between California law and the Federal Alcohol Administration Act—and how to approach compliance when state and federal rules differ
- The potential consequences of violating federal and California unfair trade practice laws
- The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) inspection process and what to expect
- Far more than just “the facts”: practical insights, tips, best practices, and external links to key regulatory resources
A Peek Inside
(Click on any page for a preview)
What Industry Leaders Are Saying
“What an accomplishment! Gillian Garrett has provided attorneys, regulators, compliance professionals, licensees, and potential licensees with a comprehensive account of the California alcohol beverage law. I’m unaware of anything else like this. Of particular importance is the clarity with which she writes on what can be very complicated matters. Ironically, possession of ‘Distilling Alcohol law’ is going to remove the burden of having to pay attorneys just like Gillian. Nonetheless, we now have a comprehensive manual on Federal and California trade practices that is accessible and complete.”
“The regulation of alcoholic beverages is, in many respects, a surprisingly complex, nuanced, and counter-intuitive body of law. Having been an alcohol regulator for almost 25 years, it always surprised me that there was no comprehensive resource to aid lawyers, consultants, and alcohol licensees in understanding and navigating the tied-house laws and trade practice regulations. I commend Gillian on taking on the challenge to help practitioners and businesses alike to discern this complicated legal landscape and to assist them in recognizing the issues and the interplay between state and federal laws.”
“Gillian Garrett provides a tremendous gift to the industry. She didn’t simply write a book, she wrote a masterpiece. Gillian takes one of the most complex and consequential areas of the alcohol regulatory system and maps it out with remarkable clarity. Whereas official sources can feel like reading a gas station road map, her work is the equivalent of Google Maps for understanding tied-house issues under California law and the TTB framework.
Importantly, she does not stop at explaining what the rules are—she explains why they exist. The book thoughtfully traces the historical and policy foundations behind tied-house restrictions, while grounding every point in copious citations to statutes, case law, and official government policy statements. This is a thoroughly researched, carefully written, and exceptionally well-developed work. Gillian put in all the work, and the industry will reap all the benefits.”
“Gillian has performed a service that few attempt—she summarizes the complex web of regulations and laws that govern the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol beverages in a comprehensive, easy to follow practical guide for lawyers and businesspeople concerned about their compliance exposure. For those diving into the world of alcohol regulation this is an invaluable springboard. I highly recommend it!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What format Is the eBook Available in?
Distilling Alcohol Law: Federal & California Unfair Trade Practices is available in EPUB format.
How do I open the eBook?
You can open it on your mobile, tablet, or desktop computer.
On Desktop
- Mac: Apple Books, Calibre, Thorium, or Kindle
- Windows: Calibre, Thorium, Google Play Books
Mobile
- iPhone/iPad: Apple Books, Kindle, or Google Play Books
- Android: Kindle, or Google Play Books
How often will it be updated — and will I need to buy a new copy?
An updated edition will be released annually to reflect changes in federal and California law. (California alcohol law evolves at a rapid clip, with 15-30 new laws typically introduced each year.) Customers receive a 50% discount on subsequent editions purchased within 24 months.
Can I share my copy with someone else?
No. Copies are licensed solely for use by a single individual and can’t be shared.
Are bulk discounts available if companies and law firms want to purchase multiple copies?
If you would like to purchase three or more copies, please reach out to Gillian to discuss a potential discount.
Are discounts available to members of any industry organizations?
Not at present, but this could change so stay tuned! (If you are in a leadership role at a relevant organization and would like to discuss a potential discount for members, reach out to Gillian.)
Has Gillian Garrett written books on other alcohol beverage law topics?
This is the first book in Gillian’s planned Distilling Alcohol Law series. Future books in the series will focus on alcohol licensing, marketing, and other key topics. She periodically publishes blog posts on a variety of alcohol beverage industry legal issues, which you can view and sign up to receive here.
Who can I contact if I have a d question?
Gillian welcomes your questions and feedback! Please connect with her here.