The Social Security system is in place to help us through difficult times. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which the system makes our lives even more difficult than they need to be. The day I received the denial letter for my claim, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. After talking with a few friends, I contacted a lawyer. That was the best decision I had ever made. Even with the professional assistance, getting the denial overturned and getting the money that I was owed took several months. I have kept a clear journal of my experience and loaded it with information that can help others get through what can be an impossible time.
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Social security denial - a journal of assistance
Turning Your Home Brewery Into A Business? When Should You Seek A Liquor License?
Alexis Garcia
Over the last few years, craft breweries have skyrocketed in popularity -- with sales of craft beer increasing nearly 20 percent in 2014 alone. Not only has this rise helped put some truly unique and memorable recipes on the market, it has sparked the interest of many amateur brewers interested in designing (and selling) their own craft brews. If you fall into this category, you may be wondering what you'll need to do to profit from your brewing abilities. Because states like Massachusetts have some strict rules and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, you'll need to ensure you stay well within the law of your state to avoid any fines, fees, or civil penalties that could be assessed. Read on to learn more about applying for a liquor license for each of the various venues in which you may want to sell your beer.
When is a liquor license needed?
While you don't need a liquor license to serve alcohol in your own home or to give bottles of home-brewed beer to your friends and family members, selling or serving alcoholic beverages outside your home will always require the issuance of a license from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). Violations of ABCC regulations (including selling liquor without a valid license) could result in civil fines or even criminal prosecution.
In addition, those who sell or serve "unlicensed" alcohol to someone who is later injured or killed (or who injures or kills another) in an alcohol-related accident could find themselves spending even more time in prison and facing a hefty civil judgment upon release.
What types of liquor licenses are available?
There are a variety of different liquor licenses and permits available through the ABCC. While you can purchase a permit to cover the sale and serving of all types of alcohol, for home brewers the "beer only" license is likely the best investment. However, the time period over which the permit spans will largely depend on how you plan to sell and market your beer.
If you're only interested in spreading the joy of brewing to some members of your community, you may be targeting farmer's markets, local fairs, and other special events. Because these events are usually scheduled to last only a day or two, for a relatively low cost you'll be able to apply for a special short-term permit. This permit will expire at the end of the event, so you'll need to ensure that all orders have been entered at this time. If you get a phone call requesting to place an order after you've arrived back at your home, selling your beer under these circumstances could subject you to liability.
For those who plan to eventually scale their businesses upward and outward -- perhaps even constructing a craft brewery and restaurant -- a retail liquor license or "pouring" license may be the better investment. These licenses allow you to sell and serve alcohol to patrons during all hours of operation.
How can you get a liquor license from the ABCC?
To qualify for the issuance of a liquor license, you'll have to meet a few criteria first. You'll need to be at least 21 years old, with no drug or alcohol-related convictions on your record.
You'll also need to be seeking your license within a city that hasn't yet met its "quota" of licenses. The number of licenses permitted for your jurisdiction will depend on its population, and you'll want to contact your local liquor licensing authority (LLA) for more information. If you find that your city is already oversaturated with liquor licensees, you may need to investigate the purchase of a license from an existing licensee rather than applying for a new one.
However, if your area has some licenses available, you'll need only to complete the application available at the ABCC (paying a small application fee) and undergo an inspection or answer any questions the ABCC's investigator may have. If this inspection is satisfactory and all other criteria have been met, your license will be issued and you'll be free to sell your craft beer to any and all paying customers over the age of 21. For more information, contact a company like the Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants.
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