Marbet Lewis is a Partner in the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where she is Co-Chair of the Alcohol & Regulated Industries Practice Group.

Since 2004, Marbet has focused her practice on the laws governing the alcohol industry and the manufacture, importation and sale of alcohol beverage products. She represents clients in all aspects of alcohol and business licensing; alcohol licensee mergers and acquisitions; negotiation of asset purchase agreements and required alcohol use provisions; license transfers and licensing due diligence; trade practices; alcohol product advertising; and regulatory compliance guidance. Marbet’s experience also includes enforcement action defense and administrative litigation; zoning and land use due diligence and approval processes; and state and local government regulatory compliance, which includes drafting municipal code ordinances and amendments as well as assisting with redistricting and development of entertainment overlay districts.

Additionally, Marbet assists clients with business permitting, including obtaining business tax receipts, building permitting, certificates of use and occupancy and other related operational permits. She represents various entertainment, hospitality, and alcohol industry clients during the zoning approval process, including representation before zoning boards for approval of variances, special exceptions and use of nonconformity issues, as well as representation for zoning appeals cases. She has assisted with transfer of business and operational permits required as part of large asset acquisition transactions and merger of national retailers including hotels and entertainment venues.

Marbet works with domestic and foreign suppliers, wholesalers, manufacturers and a broad range of retailers, including nightclubs, bars, movie theater operators, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacy chains.

Credentials

Education

  • Thomas University School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Florida International University, B.A., Political Science, cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • Florida

Languages

  • Spanish

Professional and Civic

  • Cuban American Bar Association (CABA), Member
  • National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), Member
  • National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys (NAABLA), Member
  • National Association of Licensing & Compliance Professionals (NALCP), Member
  • National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA), Member
  • The Florida Bar, Administrative Law Section, Member
  • The Florida Bar, City, County, and Local Government, Member
  • Women of Vine & Spirits, Brand Ambassador

News & Insights

Presentations

  • Featured Speaker, "Episode 86 with Marbet Lewis," Bar Hacks Podcast, December 15, 2022
  • Panel Moderator, “Trending Topics on Breaking Barriers to Industry Recovery,” National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals (NALCP) Conference, September 23, 2022
  • Speaker, "WOTVS Live Chat: Social Media 101: Learn about the Do’s and Don’ts of Advertising Alcohol Products on Social Media and Email Marketing," Women of the Vine & Spirits, August 16, 2022
  • Speaker, "Working Parents & Work-Life Balance," Women of the Vine & Spirits, July 13, 2022
  • Presenter, "NCSLA 2022 Annual Virtual Conference, Session #5: Mystery Marketplace -- The Variations of U.S. Alc.," NCSLA, June 2022
  • Speaker, "Alcohol Beverage Law 2022: Specific Alcohol Industry Issues and Trends," Practising Law Institute (IPL), May 2022
  • Host, "Working Mothers Group Live Chat," Women of the Vine & Spirits, July 15, 2021
  • Speaker, "Breaking Barriers: DE&I Leadership Series - CM Only," Women of the Vine & Spirits, June 16, 2021
  • Hosted the Working Mother’s Networking Lounge During the Women of the Vine & Spirits CONNECT event, March 8, 2021
  • Interviewed Marilee Kicks, Owner/Founder of BuzzBallz during a "C-Suite Insights Live Chat", Hosted by Women of the Vine & Spirits, March 2, 2021
  • Featured Guest at the St. Thomas University Law School Dean's Virtual Honors Ceremony, February 9, 2021
  • Hosted Webinar on "A COVID-19 Time Capsule: Emergency Order Impacts on the Alcohol Industry," Women of the Vine & Spirits, December 1, 2020
  • Radio Interview on "Spiritus Law’s Expertise in the Hospitality and Entertainment Industries," BizTalk Radio, October 23, 2020
  • TV Interview on Segment Titled "Miami-Dade Restaurant Owners Prepare For Indoor Dining Restrictions," CBS4 News Miami, July 8, 2020
  • TV Interview on Segment Titled "Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez to Close Restaurant Dining Rooms; Delivery & Takeout Still Allowed," Channel 7 News Miami, July 6, 2020
  • TV Interview on Segment Titled "Restaurants Reopening During Pandemic Have To Walk A Fine Line," CBS4 News Miami, June 23, 2020
  • Live TV Interview on Segment Titled "Coronavirus Interview: Food & Beverage Attorney Marbet Lewis," CBS4 News Miami, May 14, 2020
  • Presentation on "Social Media Alcohol Advertising Compliance & Best Practices," Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, May 12, 2020
  • Presentation on “Let’s Get Social! Compliance & Best Practice Tips for Marketing Alcohol on Social Media,” Women of the Vine & Spirits, December 10, 2019
  • Panelist, NCSLA Northern/Southern 2019 Regional Conference, October 21, 2019
  • Presentation on “Tiny but Mighty! Standing out in the Legal Crowd & Adding Value to Your Services,” St. Thomas Law School’s Solo & Small Firm Practice Program CLE Series, September 19, 2019
  • Presentation of “Fostering Diversity & Inclusion Award” to Martin Voke - Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Assistant Secretary for Bacardi North America, 3rd Annual CEO & General Counsel Gala, April 15, 2019
  • Presentation on “Control from a Different Angle,” NCSLA, Northern/Southern Regional Conference, 2014
  • Presentation on “The Do’s and Don’ts of Mixing Movies and Mixology,” National Association of Concessionaires Show East Conference, October 21-24, 2013
  • Presentation on “Be in Control! Don’t Let Your Alcohol Retail Business Control You,” Atlantic City Nightclub & Bar Convention, October 2008
  • Presentation on “Party On! How to Keep Your Party Profitable, Safe and Legal,” Nightclub & Bar Beverage Retailer, October 9-11, 2006

Publications

Accolades

  • Food & Beverages: Alcohol, Chambers & Partners, USA, 2019-2022
  • Food & Beverage Law, Best Lawyers in America, 2020-2022
  • Distinguished Leader, Daily Business Review, 2021
  • Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide, 2021
  • Top Attorney, Administrative Law, Super Lawyers, 2021
  • Florida Trailblazer, Daily Business Review, 2019
  • Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2017-2018
  • Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 40 Under 40, 2017

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Shutts & Bowen, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 270 lawyers located in eight offices across Florida.

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