Question regarding employment between the three tier system

A lot is going to depend on your state/local laws. And, what are you doing at the brewery? I think, and at least in WA, the brewers are in a different classification by our department of Labor and Industries, than front of the house staff would. I'd think you should be able work in brewery by day, and serve tables other times. A local brewery in my town has a few sales delivery guys (who, in WA, have to have distributors licenses), and a couple of them work either in the kitchen, or bartend to pick up hours.

I think a person can only own in 2 of the 3 tiers, but I could be wrong. Ask the owner of the brewery, and if he's not sure, have him check with a local labor law specialist. Again, so much is going to depend on local laws, you're probably best served by just checking with a lawyer right front. Congratulations, and good luck.

 

I'm not aware of any law that would prevent your dual employment. Do either of your employers bar you from employment on another tier?
I suggest you pay for a consolation with a lawyer in your state to make certain.

 

As someone who has previously worked for a brewery and simultaneously at a bar or liquor store, I do know of a few places that have it as a house policy that you can't also be employed by a vendor (i.e. brewery), but I am completely unaware of any such laws. This may be a weird Virginia thing, but it sounds like it's most likely just hearsay.

 

Its easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

 

I've heard of a similar prohibition in NJ (specifically, forbidding employment with both a retailer and a wholesaler at the same time) but don't find anything in the NJ ABC Handbook about brewery employees working in the other tiers.
For the retailer/wholesaler situation:

and

As beertunes noted - you'd be better off discussing this at the official state level, such as with Virginia's ABC

 

Virginia does have some weird things going on like that I believe. I unfortunately don't know the specifics. I've heard tid bits here and there though. I was considering a job with a distributor, but I decided not to because they aren't the ones who distribute my favorite home town brewery who are also my friends and where I park my ass on many nights. I've heard they don't like that. There was a guy in a band playing at our breweries who worked for Coors, he was asked by his superiors not to play in the competitions taprooms anymore. Silly kid shit going on sometimes.

 

The way it was explained to me from a distributor's perspective was this... If one of their employees was to moonlight at account (either brewery or on/off premise) they had no issue with it, so long as you were not in a decision making (i.e. management) capacity.

My point is, there may be laws, but there may also be organizational standards with one or more of your potential employers.

 

Double check on the VA ABC website but I believe you can't work in neighboring tiers, like work at a distro AND bartend, or work for a brewery AND a distro. But please, check the website.

 

it is against the rules in NJ.
edit-just saw @jesskidden already said this better
2nd edit- write your state senators, often, its is so stupid to limit the jobs any american can have these days

 

It most likely varies state by state. I used to work for a brewery and a retailer in PA. That was a no no (conflict of interest) but it seems like something that is almost never enforced. I would think that as long as you didn't talk about one job while on the clock at another you should be fine. Also, you may want to make an agreement with the bar/retailer you are working at to not carry products from your brewery just to be on the safe side and prevent any possible COI problems. It might be an easy sale but you also want to CYA. In PA, myself, not the brewery or retailer would be in trouble. 1st offense $500 fine, 2nd offense minimum 30 days in jail and a $2000 fine. Again, this varies state by state and the bar (in PA) would not run the risk of getting in licensing trouble, just me. I knew tons of people who did it and never heard of any issues. As long as you keep it quiet I.e. Not discussing the arrangement at work, posting on Facebook etc you will be fine. The only issue I could see, not sure if this is still the case or not, in VA aren't all bar managers ABC employees? I'm not a lawyer and I'm not advocating breaking any rules, just my thoughts on what I've seen in my time in the industry.

 

Against the rules in VT as well.

 

Following...I don't think there would be issue with this and if the brewery didn't care, I doubt it would be a problem.