Susan M. Johnson

Overview

Susan is now retired and is no longer practicing law. Please contact Claire Mitchell for legal advice on alcoholic beverage regulatory matters.

For more than two decades, Susan advised clients across the alcoholic beverage industry on regulatory compliance, business operations and legislative developments. Producers, distributors, retailers and hospitality companies appreciated her strategic counsel on the business and legal impacts of federal, state and local alcohol regulations.

She worked with breweries, wineries, distilleries, grocers, specialty retailers, restaurant and hotel chains, sports facility concessionaires and common carriers to address liquor licensing requirements, tied-house laws and distribution agreements. Her counsel included structuring compliant sales and marketing strategies, assessing promotional partnerships and advising on corporate ownership changes that require regulatory approval.

Susan also represented clients in administrative enforcement matters, regulatory proceedings and compliance reviews. She has contributed to legislative initiatives that modernized industry regulations, including those affecting licensing structures and business models. By working directly with state and federal agencies, she helped businesses address operational challenges, implement policy-driven changes and anticipate regulatory shifts impacting the alcohol sector.

Professional Activities

• Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys & Consultants, Member
• Brewers Association, Allied Member
• National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals, Associate Member
• National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association, Associate Member
• National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, Associate Member
• Washington Wine Industry Foundation, Former Director
• Washington State Bar Association, Member

Experience

• Representation of state hoteliers’ association in drafting legislation and implementing rules that created a hotel liquor license in Washington State.

• Representation of luxury theater in passage of legislation to allow in-theater liquor service.
• Participated in Washington State Liquor Control Board process that resulted in relaxation of
  tied-house laws in Washington State.
• Assisted international brewer in acquisition of craft brewing operations in Washington, Oregon
  and Idaho.
• Assisted largest U.S. winery with winery facility acquisitions in Washington State.

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