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Hospitality

If you are in the hospitality industry, you face a multitude of legal issues on a regular basis

From forming a business entity to financing, from labor and insurance matters to liquor licenses, you need legal insight and experience in a wide range of areas. You need legal advice from people who know your industry.

When you work with a Varnum attorney, you have access to the full resources of the firm. That means your attorney has a strong focus in the hospitality industry and can consult with others who practice in other sophisticated areas of hospitality law.

Beverage Control and Liquor Licenses

Whether you are a manufacturer, wholesaler, importer or retailer, a liquor license can be crucial to the success of your business and the rules and responsibilities of keeping a license are rigorous. Varnum attorneys have experience in all aspects of the licensing and enforcement issues. In addition to Class C and B licenses, we closely analyze the availability of those created by state statute, such as Resort, Economic Development and Redevelopment licenses. Our experience also includes airport and municipal licensing. From application to qualifying to enforcement proceedings, we advise clients on the appropriate type of license for their business and work with them to obtain it.

Nationally, Varnum has the experience and resources to provide our clients with guidance in all tiers of the industry. We are adept with our capability of resolving problems with regulators with the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. From multistate trade practice disputes to local ordinance restrictions, Varnum can protect your license interests.

“Varnum is one of our best resources!”

Client, US News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms

Varnum is prepared to handle the issues you deal with on a regular basis, as well as uncommon issues that may take you by surprise

Our hospitality clients look to us for legal advice and representation in matters such as:

  • Organizational and contract matters
  • Liquor licensing issues
  • Labor and employment matters
  • Immigration
  • Insurance matters
  • Franchise matters
  • Tax issues
  • Land use and development

Our clients include:

  • Hotels, motels and inns
  • Restaurants
  • Nightclubs
  • Resorts and golf courses
  • Casinos
  • Race tracks
  • Sports franchises
  • Campgrounds and recreational facilities

Meet the Team

Our attorneys are routinely recognized for their excellence and ability to litigate, negotiate and advise clients by Top Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Chambers USA and more.

Legal Practices Related to Hospitality

Immigration

Hospitality companies rely on us to handle the strategy and details of immigration issues so that they can get down to business.

We navigate the laws and procedures of the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Department of Labor and state workforce agencies to place key personnel within U.S. operations and to facilitate relationships with overseas affiliates and partners. In addition, we counsel employers concerning work authorization issues and compliance with immigration and labor laws.

Learn more about Varnum's Immigration Practice

Labor and Employment

Good business sense combined with good people sense is perhaps the best way to describe our approach to labor and employment law at Varnum.

Our labor and employment attorneys understand the importance of human resource management and development in your business strategy. We have built a practice that responds quickly to your needs, looks for practical, cost-effective business solutions and holds to sound human resource principles.

Learn more about Varnum's Labor and Employment Practice

Real Estate

Acquisition, financing, development, management, leasing, sale – Varnum’s Real Estate Practice Team counsels clients on all matters relating to real estate.

Whether a property is commercial, industrial or residential development, our real estate attorneys know the issues and the law.

Learn more about Varnum's Real Estate Practice

Tax Planning, Compliance and Litigation

Varnum’s tax team unites the tax compliance, planning and litigation skills of one of Michigan’s oldest law firms with one of the Midwest’s premier tax boutique practices.

We are respected throughout the region for our ability to assist clients in all matters relating to federal and state tax audits, litigation and planning.

Learn more about Varnum's Tax Planning, Compliance and Litigation Practice

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