Stephen G. Amato

Stephen G. Amato is a Lexington, Kentucky, lawyer whose practice focuses on alcoholic beverage regulation, hospitality law, administrative law, employment matters, and commercial litigation. He advises clients in the alcohol manufacturing and hospitality industries on regulatory issues, personnel concerns, and business disputes. His work includes helping producers, distributors, retailers, and investors address legal needs tied to licensing, compliance, operations, and growth.

Stephen earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1990, where he served as an associate editor of the Kentucky Law Journal. He received his B.A. in History from Transylvania University in 1987 and was a member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. His academic background supports his careful approach to legal research, regulatory analysis, and practical problem solving for business clients.

Stephen has more than 30 years of legal experience and has developed a broad practice serving clients across Kentucky. He assists alcoholic beverage and hospitality businesses with local, state, and federal licensing and permitting, real estate and land use regulation, vendor agreements, spirit supply agreements, storage agreements, bottling agreements, and business transactions. He has also handled mergers, acquisitions, asset transfers, retailer relicensing efforts, and the formation and implementation of alcohol manufacturing businesses.

Stephen G. Amato is recognized for his work in alcoholic beverage law, hospitality law, administrative law, and litigation. He serves as outside counsel to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, advising on policy and legislative matters affecting the industry. He has been recognized by Kentucky Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America and has received several professional honors. His experience in state and federal courts also gives him a strong litigation perspective when advising clients on regulatory, transactional, and business issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Member, McBrayer PLLC
• Former President, Fayette County Bar Foundation
• Member, National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys
• Member, Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants
• Member, National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals
• Member, Fayette County Bar Association
• Member, Kentucky Bar Association
• Member, Kentucky Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Kentucky

Education

• University of Kentucky College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Transylvania University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges