Overview
The alcoholic beverage industry is facing a more complex and closely watched regulatory environment as 2026 progresses. Recent months have brought significant enforcement activity, evolving federal and state regulatory frameworks, renewed focus on trade practice compliance, and continued uncertainty surrounding hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol beverages. At the same time, regulators and companies alike are beginning to grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) — both as a tool for compliance and as a potential area of regulatory risk.
Our cross-practice team hosted a quarterly update on the enforcement and regulatory developments shaping the industry. The speakers broke down key trends from the past several months and discussed what they mean for suppliers, brand owners, investors, and other industry members, with a practical look at the risks and rewards inherent to the use of AI technology across companies.
Discussion topics included:
- Recent federal and state enforcement actions and what they signal for regulatory priorities
- Trade practice compliance risks, including lessons from recent Department of Justice and state Alcoholic Beverage Control investigations
- The emerging role of AI in enforcement and compliance monitoring and the regulatory risks to watch