Wine Industry
Peter May McAuliffe Legal is well versed in vineyard and winery contracts, supply and distribution agreements, and the headache that liquor licensing can be. Trust us with your legal needs in the South West, so that you can focus on your vineyard or winery.
Vineyard & Winery Contracts
Whether you are a grower or a producer, it is likely that you are operating (or about to commence operating) under the terms of a contract or agreement, written or oral. There may also be agreements in place in relation to storage of wine. Peter May McAuliffe Legal has vast experience in relation to drafting agreements and disputes.
A new generation of written contracts for growing fruit and winemaking have emerged in recent years – the advantages of engaging us to assist you to negotiate your written contract are that it encourages the parties to consider “up front” the process and issues which may arise during the intended business relationship.
At Peter May McAuliffe Legal, we can assist you to ascertain the financial standing of the party that you are about to contract with, and those associated with it.
In the case of winemakers, we can draft your contract to ensure that your wine is made and kept separate from other customers, and to ensure that it is clear that title in the wine remains with you at all times, to avoid potential arguments with liquidators or receivers.
We can also assist you in relation to appropriate insurances in place to meet your claim if your wine is spoilt.
Supply, Distribution & Bottling Agreements
From vine to shop shelf, wine logistics can be highly complicated. It ordinarily involves a number of services, from storage to transport to sampling and testing, to bottling and then ultimately to distribution. Each of these steps necessitate the development of business relationships and require specific contracts to govern the parameters of the relationship.
Peter May McAuliffe Legal has extensive experience in drafting such contracts in a way that suits your business and ensures that you are protected from liability in the event that a step in the production chain fails.
Liquor Licensing
The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor is renowned as one of the most antiquated and least transparent government agencies in the state. If you are considering applying for or objecting to a liquor licence application, it is strongly recommended that you come and speak with us about whether you may benefit from receiving advice.
Peter May McAuliffe Legal has extensive experience in:
- Assisting producers in the south west region with their liquor licence applications;
- Applications for and objections to new liquor licenses;
- The preparation of Public Interest Assessment submissions;
- Representing persons being investigated, or prosecuted, by the Liquor Enforcement Unit;
- Transfer of Liquor Licenses, preparation and review of lease agreements, sale of business agreements and partnership agreements;
- Applications for extended trading permits, variations to license conditions and alteration/redefinitions;
- Representing licensees the subject of complaints and inquiries; and
- Appearing before the Liquor Commission of WA.