The alcoholic beverage industry is navigating significant shifts in 2026. Alcohol companies are filing for or contemplating bankruptcy, antitrust enforcement actions continue, and new federal challenges face the growing hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) industry. Organizations will face both challenges and opportunities as the new year gets under way.

Join our cross-practice team to discuss these key developments and explore practical strategies for the year ahead.

Discussion topics will include: 

• Federal and state regulatory and enforcement updates
• The evolving hemp-derived THC beverage landscape and potential federal framework
• The growing presence of bankruptcy filings for alcoholic beverage companies
• The Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and its implications for the industry

Continuing legal education (CLE) credit is pending. McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is an approved provider and can provide credit in California, Illinois, and New York. McDermott Will & Schulte is a sponsor and will apply for credit in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia when lawyers licensed in these jurisdictions are in attendance. We can issue reciprocal credit for lawyers licensed in Connecticut and New Jersey. For all other jurisdictions not listed, attendees will be provided with a Universal Certificate of Attendance that they may use to self-apply for CLE credit in their state of admission. Attendees should contact their state’s CLE board for current rules, regulations, and guidance.