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Provided by William Cheek
Alcohol and Hospitality, Government Relations - State and Local
Often referenced as the go-to liquor lawyer in Tennessee, Will Cheek is a preeminent member of Adams and Reese's Alcohol and Hospitality practice. He counsels both local and national clients on licensing and regulatory compliance under Tennessee state and local liquor and beer laws. Will counsels distilleries, wineries, breweries and contract manufacturers on production, distribution and marketing, including complex federal and state issues.
Will is one of the leading experts in tied-house issues, in which members of one of the three tiers (manufacturer – wholesaler/distributor – retailer) are prohibited from having an ownership interest in a member of a different tier. Will’s understanding of state and federal tied-house laws has allowed him to assist clients in navigating these restrictions, including drafting special legislation, formations of distillery trusts, and special liquor licenses that allow for a variety of interests across the three tiers.
Will represents clients before the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and local beer boards in licensing, enforcement actions and administrative hearings. Working in concert with Adams and Reese's Government Relations team, he drafts state and local liquor legislation and represents clients in state court actions challenging existing ordinances and statutes and regulations.
Will is a trusted legal adviser to startup businesses and emerging companies within a wide range of industries. As "on-call general counsel," Will plays a critical role in helping mom-and-pop and closely held companies accomplish growth and success. This representation ranges from Tailgate Brewery, a Nashville-based brewery adding taprooms across the state, to Kraft CPAs, one of Tennessee's largest independent accounting firms.
Will is a founding member of the Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants, and he serves as an advisory board member and legal counsel for the National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals.
National Conference of State Liquor Administrators; Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants, Founding Member; Lawyers Association for Women, Frequent Programming Co-Chair; National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys; National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals, Advisory Board Member and Legal Counsel; National Cannabis Bar Association; Tennessee Bar Association; Nashville Bar Association; Belmont University Center for Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic, Co-Founder; The Entrepreneur Center, Founding Angel Partner
Will regularly posts articles covering Tennessee-related alcohol, restaurant and hospitality news in his blog Last Call.
Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Secretary and Commissioner; Tennessee State Fair Association, Board of Directors; Tennessee History for Kids, Board of Directors; Conexion Americas, Legal Counsel; Family Council at Cheekwood, Founding Member; Leadership Music, Legal Counsel; Leadership Nashville, Class of 2007; Nashville Originals, Legal Counsel; Nashville Pride, Legal Counsel; Belcourt Theatre, Legal Counsel; Former Chair and Founding Member, Board of Directors; Non-Profit Management, Legal Counsel; Former Board Chair; Children’s House of Nashville, Former Board of Directors; Community Resource Center, Former Board President
Provided by Chambers
William Cheek of Adams and Reese focuses his practice on advising organizations within the hospitality, manufacturing and entertainment sectors on licensing issues and regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on the state of Tennessee.
Provided by Chambers
"Will is an experienced attorney who is great to work with and has extensive knowledge in the field of beverage law."
"He provides excellent client service and responsiveness."
"Will is an experienced attorney who is great to work with and has extensive knowledge in the field of beverage law."
"He provides excellent client service and responsiveness."
6 items provided by Adams and Reese LLP
How to deliver beer in Nashville during the corona closure
Nashville has enacted an emergency regulation allowing the delivery and sale of beer curbside and to-go.
Latest updates for alcohol delivery by restaurants in Tennessee
The last week has brought dramatic changes for restaurant operators in Tennessee.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hunker down update for Nashville, other Tennessee cities
Gov. Lee is limiting restaurants, bars and others to drive-through, carry-out and delivery service only.
No hospitality industry tax holiday in Tennessee
With the industry devastated from the coronavirus, the question is: Do I have to pay my LBD and sales tax this month?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to support your local watering hole in Nashville
We have been hearing the same question from tons of bar owners: What do we do?
Coronavirus interrupts beer board licensing in Tennessee
The coronavirus is slowing down the sale of beer, or at least the issuance of beer permits.
How to deliver beer in Nashville during the corona closure
Nashville has enacted an emergency regulation allowing the delivery and sale of beer curbside and to-go.
Latest updates for alcohol delivery by restaurants in Tennessee
The last week has brought dramatic changes for restaurant operators in Tennessee.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hunker down update for Nashville, other Tennessee cities
Gov. Lee is limiting restaurants, bars and others to drive-through, carry-out and delivery service only.
No hospitality industry tax holiday in Tennessee
With the industry devastated from the coronavirus, the question is: Do I have to pay my LBD and sales tax this month?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to support your local watering hole in Nashville
We have been hearing the same question from tons of bar owners: What do we do?
Coronavirus interrupts beer board licensing in Tennessee
The coronavirus is slowing down the sale of beer, or at least the issuance of beer permits.
