Drinknation Forums

[Indy]

I know a guy who threw a party recently and charged people for keg beer he was serving. The excise cops busted the party and charged him with bootlegging. When it comes to being a party host, at what point are you crossing the line by trying to charge anyone for anything. Obviously, if you are inviting people to your place, it's pretty shitty of you to charge them, but I'm talking about when you have tons of people over on a regular basis and make it more of a "private club" thing.

I know you have to get a liquor license to sell liquor, but...well, I guess what I'm getting at is...are there any ways around this? Ethically or legally? I seriously don't wanna step on any toes around here, so if this is a totally out-of-line question, I apologize.

[The Archvillain Bartender]

It's a good question Indy, I don't have the answer unfortunately. I would think that a technical way around it would be to have a cover charge rather than charging for drinks. I'm not sure if that translates into another form of offense or not, but I know a house down the street that did that once and they got away with it.

You could probably phone your local police station and ask them, actually. Sometimes they can be pretty helpful with these sorts of things.

[Indy]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I'm a little skittish about contacting the police about this sort of thing, though (you know how cops can be). I suppose you're right--as long as the "freewill donations" from friends are going toward defraying the cost of the party and not specifically for the sale of alcohol, there shouldn't be any legal hassle.

I talked to a guy at work about it, and he said he didn't see a problem asking people to "chip in" for something like that, seeing as how we'd be using my house, dishes, electricity, bathroom, etc.

[SwizzleStick]

I wouldn't contact the police. Rarely does the police know that much about such laws. Also, most cities will not allow the police to give "legal advise." You need to find out who governs alcohol in your area. Here (Oklahoma City, USA) it is the ABLE Commission. All their laws are online. You can also call and ask an investigator.

Each state varies.

Here, you cannot charge for alcohol unless you have a license. Door charges count as charging for booze.

You're best not to charge at all in your home.

I do know a guy who throws huge parties and sells T-shirts prior to the party for about $20 each. Show up with the shirt on and you get in free.

Don't really know how well this would hold up in court but so far it works for him and the cops get called pretty often.

[AaronS]

Here in Richmond Va we sell Cups... that’s right plastic cups... a good old red plastic cup will run you about 3 bucks there is usually one guy who stands by the kegs all night and tops off peoples cups for free... so long as you bought a cup.

Other ways... here in Richmond at places like the ever present plex speak easy... you don’t buy anything there is just a Suggested tip price, there are usually enough people floating around places like this that in the end the money works out. And you can always rent a mug for a few hours. You will usually find tobacco pipes and Glass art work / sculptures at places like this selling off for more than their worth but hey its all good.

[turbosaleen]

I must just be good at beating the system.the easiest way around any permit or any liability. Is say it is donation only.... That's how I have done it for years and here in Il. there is nothing they can do..... If there is a loophole I will find it...

[DTender88]

If you are just throwing parties for friends then its not bad to ask them to chip in if they are over on a regular basis, thats what I do and it has worked well in supporting an expansive home bar and parties nearly every weekend. If your opening your doors more like a private club... then charging for something else, like a shirt or cup like mentioned above and then using the proceeds to fund the party would probably be the best way.

[footballyears]