Regulated industries don’t get the luxury of figuring out compliance after the fact. A missed permit, a late filing, or a misunderstood licensing requirement can result in fines, license suspension, forced closure, or criminal liability. The regulatory landscape in Mississippi spans dozens of state and federal agencies, and the rules change with administrations, legislative sessions, and agency rulemaking.

At Tollison & Webb P.A., Taylor H. Webb advises businesses on regulatory compliance and permitting with a depth of practical experience that goes beyond legal research. Taylor owns and operates Circle & Square Brewing Company in Oxford, which means he has personally navigated the ABC licensing process, Mississippi Department of Health requirements, food service permitting, and the full compliance stack that applies to a licensed hospitality business in this state. He has also worked directly with businesses in Mississippi’s medical marijuana industry, advising on licensing, compliance, and the specific regulatory requirements that govern that sector under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

We represent businesses throughout North Mississippi before state and federal regulatory agencies, from initial permitting applications through ongoing compliance management and responses to enforcement actions.

Industries We Serve

Hospitality, Food Service, and Alcohol-Licensed Businesses

Restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and entertainment venues in Mississippi operate under a layered set of requirements from the Mississippi Department of Health, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Department of Revenue, and local governments. Taylor Webb has dealt with these agencies directly as a business owner, not just as an attorney. He understands the practical realities of obtaining and maintaining an ABC permit, meeting health department inspection standards, and navigating the specific requirements that apply to breweries, taprooms, and alcohol retailers in Mississippi.

We advise hospitality businesses on initial licensing, permit renewals, responses to agency inquiries, and compliance strategy for ongoing operations.

Medical Cannabis

Mississippi’s medical cannabis industry operates under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, which established a licensing and regulatory framework administered by the Mississippi Department of Health. Licenses are required for cultivators, processors, dispensaries, testing laboratories, and transportation companies, and each license type carries its own compliance obligations covering facility requirements, record-keeping, reporting, product testing, and employee background checks.

Taylor Webb has direct experience advising businesses in Mississippi’s medical cannabis industry on licensing applications, compliance programs, and responses to regulatory inquiries. This is a sector where the rules are still being interpreted and applied, which means having legal counsel with direct experience in this specific regulatory environment is genuinely valuable.

We advise medical cannabis licensees and license applicants on the full range of compliance obligations under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, including initial licensing, facility compliance, operational requirements, and regulatory response.

Construction and Contracting

Construction businesses in Mississippi must navigate contractor licensing requirements through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, bonding and insurance requirements, OSHA workplace safety regulations, and environmental compliance obligations that vary by project type. We advise contractors and subcontractors on licensing, compliance, and responses to agency enforcement actions.

Healthcare

Healthcare providers, clinics, and healthcare-adjacent businesses operate under overlapping state and federal regulatory requirements covering licensing, Medicare and Medicaid participation, HIPAA compliance, and facility standards. We advise healthcare businesses on regulatory compliance strategy and representation before state licensing boards and federal agencies.

General Business Regulatory Compliance

Beyond industry-specific regulation, businesses of all types face compliance obligations from state and federal agencies covering employment, environmental requirements, professional licensing, and more. We advise businesses on compliance programs, agency interactions, and responses to investigations and enforcement actions across a broad range of regulatory contexts.

State and Federal Agency Representation

Regulatory matters can arise at the state or federal level depending on the industry and the nature of the issue. We represent businesses before state agencies including the Mississippi Department of Health, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, the Mississippi State Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, and other state licensing and regulatory bodies. At the federal level, we advise on compliance with requirements administered by agencies including OSHA, the EPA, and other federal regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over business operations in North Mississippi.

When an agency initiates an investigation or enforcement action, early legal involvement is critical. Statements made to investigators and documents produced during an agency inquiry can shape the outcome of an enforcement proceeding in ways that are difficult to reverse. We advise businesses on how to respond to agency contact from the outset.

Permitting Assistance

Getting the right permits in place before you open or expand is far less expensive than addressing violations after the fact. We assist businesses with permitting applications across a range of industries and agency types, including initial business licensing, facility permits, environmental permits, alcohol licensing, and industry-specific approvals. We also advise on the sequencing of permit applications, which can be as important as the applications themselves when multiple agencies are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a regulatory compliance attorney actually do?

A regulatory compliance attorney helps businesses understand and meet their legal obligations to government agencies, obtain the permits and licenses required to operate, respond to agency inquiries and enforcement actions, and build compliance programs that reduce the risk of violations. The goal is to keep your business operating and protected, not just to react to problems after they arise.

Do I need an attorney to apply for an ABC permit in Mississippi?

You are not legally required to have an attorney, but the process is more complicated than it appears, and mistakes in the application process can delay your opening or result in a denial. Taylor Webb has personal experience with the ABC licensing process in Mississippi as a brewery owner. If you are opening a bar, restaurant, brewery, or any alcohol-licensed business, having counsel who has been through the process firsthand is a practical advantage.

What should I do if I receive a notice of violation from a state agency?

Contact an attorney before responding. A notice of violation is the beginning of an enforcement proceeding, not the end, and how you respond affects the outcome. Admissions made in a response letter, documents produced voluntarily, and positions taken early in the process can limit your options later. We advise businesses on how to respond to agency enforcement actions in a way that protects their interests.

Do you handle medical cannabis licensing applications in Mississippi?

Yes. Taylor Webb has direct experience advising businesses on medical cannabis licensing under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act. The application process is detailed and the compliance obligations for licensees are ongoing. If you are applying for a cultivation, processing, dispensary, or transportation license, or if you are an existing licensee with compliance questions, we can help.

Can you help if my license has already been suspended or revoked?

Yes. License suspension and revocation proceedings are administrative actions that typically include an opportunity for a hearing and appeal. We represent businesses in license defense proceedings before state agencies, working to reinstate licenses, reduce penalties, and negotiate compliance agreements that allow businesses to continue operating.

Contact a Regulatory Compliance Attorney in North Mississippi

If your business has a regulatory compliance question, a pending permit application, or an agency enforcement matter, contact Tollison & Webb P.A. We represent businesses throughout North Mississippi from our office in Oxford.

Call (662) 234-7070 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.