Hosting a legal event with alcohol?

I am looking at hosting a one night camping type event/party. I plan to charge either a cover fee, a fee for buying drinks, or both in order to cover the expenses on my behalf. What are the laws in Wisconsin regarding the sale or distribution of alcohol at a party-type event where money will be exchanged. Do I have to obtain some sort of license? Is it hard to obtain?

Hosting a legal event with alcohol?
At a private party, you can serve what you like (provided the people drinking are of age) and it's up to you if you want them to help cover expenses. You're not selling the booze. You're just having everybody pitch in for the effort.
Reply:Nope,





It is legal to have a cover charge to come into the party. The alcohol will be free.
Reply:Yes, you have to be licensed. Yes, it is hard to get licensed and is expensive. You also take complete liabilty for underage drinkers, drunk drivers, fights and or injuries that might occur on behalf of the drinks you provided. Be careful and good luck.
Reply:it's your event. you can charge a cover and for the alcohol if you want. Just make sure everyone there is over 21 and don't drink too much. You are responsible for their actions after they leave your house though. If they get into a car accident, you will get in trouble too.
Reply:I don't live in Wisconsin so I dont know your specific state laws.





But as far as I know in general law; If you include the cost of the drinks in the cover fee, then you don't need any kind of license. Now if you were selling drinks to the general public, of course you'd need a liqour license. But you are having a private party/event, so you'll be fine.





But like the other person mentioned, to keep you safe in legal disputes...


Since you are hosting the party, you do become liable for any under age drinkers, accidents, drunk drivers, and fighting. So it's going to be your job to make sure everyone is definatly 21 %26amp; up, people have designated drivers or are handing over their keys, and the enviroment is safe from accidents occuring (slipping on something, etc.).





Good Luck with the party! Hope it's fantastic!
Reply:don't bother to host a party just invite them to all to go to a bar and offer to buy their first drink and the rest will be their resposibilties.
Reply:If it's a private party YOU set the rules, not the state.
Reply:Where's the event? At your house? If not, you need a liquor license -- even though you're having a private event, you're on public property and are distributing liquor. You need a license to do so. Check with the campground's jurisdiction.





They're easy to get, you just have to not owe the state money (in taxes, fines, etc.,) and not have a DUI on your record. The only thing is it takes a few weeks to get.