JOHN HARRIS
Alcohol
Beverage & Tobacco Licensing and Compliance Consultant, Gray Robinson
John’s
foundation of knowledge in alcohol beverage and tobacco regulations;
government processes; government decision makers; alcohol beverage dealer
training; and liquor and business licensing were developed during his 28 year
government career. Serving under six governors, his entire government career
was with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco, (“ABT”),
retiring after leading the agency for eight years as its deputy director and
director.
Today, John has more than 49 years of experience in government and
as a consultant. His government career began at ABT working in the mail room.
He was promoted to serve in every law enforcement position there, as well as
the division’s hearing officer, Chief of Enforcement, administrative rules
and laws expert, and director. He was also appointed interim director of
Florida's Pari-Mutuel Wagering Division; and interim secretary for the
Department of Business Regulation.
John retired from public service in 1996
to work with an attorney, and they formed a group of lawyers and
professionals who now comprise GrayRobinson's Alcohol Beverage and Regulated
Products Team, consulting clients throughout the United States for the last
20 years. John’s clients include all tiers of the alcohol industry
(manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, brand owners, and retailers) as well
as capital fund managers, the food industry, and professionals required to be
licensed by states. GrayRobinson’s Licensing Team prepares state and local
liquor, business, and professional license applications including federal
license applications. John represents clients before city, county, state and
federal licensing agencies. His practice includes licensing; tax audits;
enforcement notices; formal complaints; compliance certifications; drafting
administrative rules; drafting bills for legislative action; drafting
petitions for declaratory statements; drafting petitions for administrative
rule waivers; responsible alcohol dealer serving practices; analyzing alcohol
beverage criminal and civil complaints; compliance with regulations; and
meets with government decision makers and their staff.
He has been recognized
by the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, the National
Alcohol Beverage Control State’s Association, the American Bar Association,
attorneys, consultants, government agencies, legislative leaders,
professionals, business owners, and non-profit groups. He also has experience
solving business and professional licensing and regulatory problems with
local and state executive-branch agencies. He has drafted many of Florida’s
alcohol regulations and laws, while working for both ABT and GrayRobinson.
His widespread knowledge of alcohol laws, regulations, government policies,
and how the government operates give him a unique consulting perspective to
assist clients.