Major Sporting Events and Alcohol Compliance: What Brands and Venues Need to Know Ahead of the Miami Open and Super Bowl1/31/2026Major sporting events like the Miami Open and the Super Bowl bring increased crowds, visibility, and revenue opportunities for alcohol brands and hospitality businesses across South Florida, but they also bring heightened regulatory scrutiny. From Miami-Dade to Broward County, bars, restaurants, hotels, and event venues often face increased enforcement around alcohol licensing, service rules, promotions, and temporary event permitting during these high-profile weekends.
In this article, Spirit Law Partners breaks down the most common alcohol compliance risks businesses encounter during major sporting events, including licensing scope issues, pop-up activations, watch parties, and responsible service challenges driven by high-volume crowds and international visitors. The blog also outlines why proactive planning—well before event weekend is critical for avoiding violations, delays, and enforcement actions in Florida’s tightly regulated alcohol environment.
For hospitality operators, alcohol brands, and event venues preparing for major sporting events in Miami and throughout South Florida, this guide highlights practical compliance considerations and explains how experienced alcohol licensing counsel can help protect operations when visibility and stakes are highest.Read More »
Florida Legislative Update: What HB 87 and SB 392 Could Mean for Alcohol, Hospitality, and Restaurant BusinessesJanuary 2026Florida’s 2026 legislative session could bring meaningful changes for Florida restaurants, bars, hotels, and hospitality businesses navigating alcohol licensing. This blog breaks down proposed bills HB 87 and SB 392, which would lower square footage, seating, and capacity thresholds for qualifying food service establishments seeking special beverage licenses—potentially expanding eligibility for smaller or chef-driven concepts, urban locations, and renovation projects—while keeping core food-revenue requirements intact. It explains what the proposed changes mean, why they matter during openings or expansions, key timing considerations ahead of a possible July 1, 2026 effective date, and how Spirit Law Partners helps businesses plan strategically, and avoid licensing delay as the legislation evolves.Read More »
Florida Open Carry Law 2025 Update: What Alcohol-Licensed Businesses Need to KnowNovember 2025The recent McDaniels v. State decision striking down Florida’s long-standing open-carry ban has left businesses navigating new and often confusing compliance responsibilities. While open carry is now permitted statewide, significant firearm restrictions remain, especially for alcohol-licensed premises where areas “primarily devoted” to serving or consuming alcohol continue to prohibit open carry. As the hospitality, alcohol, and retail sectors adjust to the ruling, operators must reassess restricted zones, update signage, train staff, refine lease language, review insurance considerations, and monitor upcoming legislative clarification expected in 2026. Spirit Law Partners, drawing on extensive experience across alcohol beverage law, firearm regulation, and mixed-use operational compliance, guides businesses through these evolving requirements and helps them develop practical, safety-focused policies aligned with Florida’s updated legal landscape.Read More »
