Explore Our Services

I help hospitality businesses navigate liquor boards, health departments, and zoning authorities. From licensing and permits to disciplinary defense and appeals, my focus is on protecting your ability to operate.

I bring more than 25 years of legal experience to regulatory matters that require judgment, preparation, and strategic advocacy.

Liquor Licensing

I provide strategic guidance for new liquor license applications and temporary licenses, including preparation of application materials, coordination with agencies, and attendance at hearings.

The focus is not just approval, but positioning the application to withstand scrutiny and future enforcement.

Food and Health Permits

I assist restaurants and hospitality operators with food establishment permits, inspections, and compliance matters involving local and state health departments.

This includes advising on inspection issues, responding to violations, and addressing regulatory concerns before they escalate.

Disciplinary Defense

I represent license holders facing disciplinary actions and enforcement proceedings before liquor boards and regulatory agencies.

Disciplinary matters are handled with an emphasis on preparation, credibility, and minimizing operational and reputational harm.

For Professional Disciplinary & Suspensions relating to Exams and Licensing, visit our dedicated site at www.higherbarlaw.com.

Suspensions and Revocations

I defend restaurants, bars, and license holders against proposed or imposed suspensions and revocations.

These matters often move quickly and can threaten the viability of a business. My focus is on protecting continuity and positioning clients for the best possible outcome.

Appeals

I handle judicial review and appellate matters arising from adverse licensing and administrative decisions.

In New York, this includes administrative appeals before the New York State Liquor Authority and judicial review in New York courts.

In Massachusetts, my appellate practice includes appeals to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission from licensing denials and disciplinary decisions, and appeals to Massachusetts courts.

In Washington, D.C., appellate representation is available on a case-by-case basis through pro hac vice admission.

Zoning

I advise on zoning approvals, special permits, and land use issues that affect restaurant and bar operations, including matters that intersect with licensing and permitting requirements.

Mediation & Arbitration

I provide mediation and arbitration services for business and personal disputes, including matters in the food and beverage industry.

Both processes can resolve disputes faster and at lower cost than litigation, while giving the parties more control over the outcome than they would have in court.

Schedule Consultation

A wine rack holding several bottles of wine lying horizontally, with focus on a single bottle in the foreground.

A dessert plate with a small candle, a chocolate dessert, a scoop of ice cream with a ''Happy Birthday'' sign, and decorative sauces.

A waiter in a suit balancing a wine bottle and a napkin on his shoulder.

A barista preparing coffee behind a counter in a cafe with various pastries and breakfast items displayed in the foreground and a chalkboard menu on the wall in the background.

Black and white photo of a corner pizza restaurant called Little Italy on a busy city street, with pedestrians, bicycles, and a car passing by. Street signs for Fifth Avenue and East 33rd Street are visible.

Two people clinking glasses of red wine outdoors at dusk with string lights and trees in the background.

Representative Matters

Restaurants seeking new liquor licenses, temporary liquor licenses, and entertainment licenses.

License holders facing disciplinary violations before licensing boards.

Appeals of adverse administrative decisions, such as licensing board decisions on license denials and disciplinary violations.

Hospitality operators seeking health and food permits.

Continuing the fight for over eight years representing multiple restaurant and bar owners in litigation against a municipality for wrongful handling of liquor licensing resulting in significant monetary losses.

A dimly lit restaurant table with a single empty wine glass, lit candles, and blurred background of people and hanging lights.

Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in working with me on your legal matter, complete the form with a few details about your legal situation. We'll review your message and get back to you asap, typically within 24 hours.