Barn Weddings In Wisconsin: Alcohol Service Options

Barn weddings are a popular choice for couples in Wisconsin, with the rustic aesthetic and unique setting providing a memorable experience for their special day. However, a question that has recently come to light is whether these barn venues can legally serve alcohol. Wisconsin state law requires any public place serving alcohol to have a liquor license, and a contentious debate has emerged over whether wedding barns fall under this category. While some venues have chosen to obtain a liquor license to be compliant, others have operated without one, arguing that they are private facilities hosting private events. With new legislation being proposed and strong opinions on both sides, the ability to serve alcohol at barn weddings in Wisconsin is a complex and evolving issue.

Barn wedding venues in Wisconsin are considered public spaces and require a liquor license to serve alcohol

The interpretation of the law that includes barn venues as public spaces was put forward by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel. In his analysis, Schimel wrote, "the term 'public' itself indicates that the place is generally open for public use, including through a contractual relationship such as a rental agreement or lease." This means that even though barn wedding venues are rented out for private events, they are still considered public spaces under the law.

Many barn wedding venue owners have objected to this interpretation of the law, arguing that it could put them out of business. They claim that the added requirement of a liquor license will increase their costs and force them to change their business model. Some venue owners have even sued the state, arguing that the new law violates their rights guaranteed by the state Constitution, including the right to earn a living and the right to equal protection.

Prior to this new interpretation of the law, barn wedding venues were able to avoid the requirement of a liquor license by serving alcohol rather than vending it. Typically, hosts would buy alcohol off-site from a licensed retailer and serve it to their guests, or hire a licensed bartender to serve it. This allowed them to bypass the need for a liquor license, which can be costly and difficult to obtain.

With the new law in place, barn wedding venues in Wisconsin will need to obtain a liquor license if they wish to continue serving alcohol. This change brings these venues in line with other public spaces that serve alcohol, such as taverns and banquet halls, and ensures that they are subject to the same regulations and oversight.

Barn wedding owners are suing Wisconsin, arguing that the new alcohol law will harm their businesses

Barn wedding venues in Wisconsin have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many couples opting for the rustic aesthetic. However, a new alcohol law threatens to disrupt this thriving industry. Wedding barn owners are now suing Wisconsin, arguing that the new regulations will harm their businesses.

The controversy centres around the interpretation of Wisconsin's liquor laws. Previously, wedding barns have not been required to hold liquor licenses, as they are considered private events. However, in a legal analysis, Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel opined that barns rented for weddings are subject to the state's liquor laws and should be considered public spaces. This interpretation was echoed by a state legislative committee.

The new law, passed by the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate, creates a division within the state Department of Revenue to enforce liquor laws and sets new requirements for private event venues. Wedding barn owners will now have to choose between obtaining a liquor license or applying for a special event permit that limits them to hosting events six times a year or no more than once a month.

Many wedding barn owners argue that the new requirements could put them out of business. The license, called a "no sale event venue permit," will restrict the number of events they can host, significantly impacting their revenue. Some owners have already begun looking into obtaining a liquor license, but this option is not feasible for all businesses due to the cost.

Jean Bahn, owner of Farmview Event Barn in Berlin, and Daniel Gallagher, owner of Monarch Valley Wedding & Events in Blair, have taken legal action against the state Department of Revenue. They are represented by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, arguing that the law violates their rights guaranteed by the state Constitution: the right to earn a living and the right to equal protection.

The lawsuit claims that the law is a result of "heavy-handed economic protectionism" and that lobbyists and the highest bidders are influencing legislation. The bill has received support from wholesalers, retailers, brewers, banquet halls, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin, which represents bars, restaurants, and taverns.

The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen, but the impact on the wedding barn industry and couples' plans for their special day is already causing concern and uncertainty.

Wedding barns can either obtain a liquor license or apply for a special event permit to serve alcohol

Wedding barns in Wisconsin have been operating for years without much regulation, but recent changes to the state's liquor laws now require them to either obtain a liquor license or apply for a special event permit if they want to serve alcohol.

Wisconsin state law says any public place that wishes to serve or allow the consumption of alcohol must have a liquor license. Wedding barns fall under this law, according to a letter by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, who stated that barn venues should be considered public spaces. This has been a matter of debate, with many contesting the idea that wedding barns are public places since they host private events.

Previously, wedding barns in Wisconsin had avoided licensing requirements by serving alcohol rather than vending it. Hosts would typically buy alcohol off-site from a licensed retailer and either serve it themselves or hire a licensed bartender to serve and monitor consumption.

However, the new legislation requires wedding barns to either limit the number of times they serve alcohol in a year or obtain a liquor license. The law, known as the "no sale event venue permit", allows those renting the barn to bring their own alcohol but restricts wedding venue owners to renting or leasing the property no more than six times per year and no more than once per month.

The cost of a liquor license in Wisconsin ranges from $15 for a provisional retail license to $30,000 for businesses in newly developed historical or downtown districts appraised at $20 million. Wedding barn owners have objected to the new requirements, arguing that the added costs and limitations could put them out of business.

The changes to the liquor laws were supported by Wisconsin wholesalers, retailers, brewers, banquet halls, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin, a powerful lobbying group representing the state's bars, restaurants, and taverns. Supporters argued that the wedding barn industry needed stricter regulation for public safety and to create a level playing field with taverns and bars that compete for the same customers.

Barn wedding owners can avoid the need for a liquor license by not selling alcohol, instead allowing guests to bring their own

Wisconsin state law says that any public place that wishes to serve or allow the consumption of alcohol must have a liquor license. Wedding barn venues fall under the same law, as they are considered public spaces.

However, barn wedding owners can avoid the need for a liquor license by not selling alcohol and instead allowing guests to bring their own. This is a common practice, as hosts typically buy alcohol off-site from a licensed retailer and either serve it to guests themselves or hire a licensed bartender to do so. This way, they can ensure that alcohol is available at their event without having to obtain a liquor license.

By not selling alcohol and instead allowing guests to bring their own, barn wedding owners can also avoid the added expense of obtaining a liquor license, which can range from $15 for a provisional retail license to $30,000 for businesses in certain appraised historical or downtown districts.

It is worth noting that the laws and regulations regarding alcohol service in wedding barns in Wisconsin have been the subject of recent debate and changes. In November 2023, a bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers passed an update to the state's alcohol laws, requiring wedding barns to obtain a liquor license or apply for special event permits limited to six events per year and no more than one event per month. This has caused concern among wedding barn owners, who argue that the added requirements could put them out of business. The lawsuit, filed by two wedding barn owners, argues that the law violates the right to earn a living and the right to equal protection guaranteed by the state Constitution.

The cost of a liquor license in Wisconsin ranges from $15 to $30,000

In Wisconsin, wedding barns are considered public spaces and are required by law to have a liquor license to serve alcohol. This has been a matter of contention, with some arguing that wedding barns are private facilities that host private events and should not be subject to the same regulations as public spaces.

Previously, wedding barns and other private event venues in Wisconsin did not need a liquor license to operate, and many contracted licensed vendors to provide alcohol for the events. However, a new measure passed by the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate aims to enforce stricter liquor laws and create new regulations for these venues.

The cost of a liquor license in Wisconsin varies depending on the type of license required. In the Village of Weston, for example, a Class "A" Beer License costs $350, while a Class "B" Beer License Fee is $100. A Class "A" Combination (Beer & Liquor) license is $600, and a Class "B" Combination (Beer & Liquor) license is also $600. A Class "B" Reserve Liquor License has a high initial fee of $10,000. On the more affordable end, a Provisional Class "A" Beer, A Liquor, B Beer, and B Liquor License costs only $15. A Class "C" Wine License is $100, and a Temporary Class "B" (Picnic) license is just $10.

These license fees demonstrate the range of costs associated with obtaining a liquor license in Wisconsin, which can be as low as $15 or as high as $10,000, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the venue. It is important for wedding barn venues to consider these costs and the relevant regulations to ensure compliance with the law when serving alcohol at their events.

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