Two wedding barns in Wisconsin have filed a lawsuit against the state on Tuesday. They are trying to prevent a new law from taking effect that would require them to obtain liquor licenses, just like other venues that host events.
Last year, the owners and operators of wedding barns attempted to get rid of a law that changed how the state’s multibillion-dollar liquor industry is regulated. However, their efforts were not successful. The changes had been worked on for many years, with support from both Republicans and Democrats, as well as large and small brewers, wholesalers, and retailers.
Farmview Event Barn, which is in Berlin, and Monarch Valley Wedding & Events, located in Blair, have filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Patty Mayers, who is an assistant deputy revenue secretary, chose not to provide any comments regarding the lawsuit.
The new law impacts all aspects of the alcohol industry in the state, including the licensing, production, sale, and distribution of beer, wine, and liquor. This refers to the new rules that apply to mostly rural facilities, often found on farms, which host events like wedding receptions. These facilities are not considered traditional bars, restaurants, or entertainment venues.
Starting in 2026, the new law states that venues must obtain a permit or license in order to legally sell or allow alcohol. Right now, wedding barns and other private event venues can operate without needing liquor licenses. Instead, they often make agreements with licensed vendors to provide alcohol at their events.
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According to the law, owners of wedding barns have two options. They can either get a permit that allows them to host events six times a year or once a month. Alternatively, they can obtain a liquor license that allows them to sell alcohol at any number of events.
The lawsuit claims that the law in Trempealeau County Circuit Court is unfair and violates the right to earn a living and equal protection guarantees under the Wisconsin Constitution. It argues that the law imposes an illegal and inconsistent tax.
The lawsuit filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty argues that the new regulatory framework is designed to prevent competitive innovation in the wedding venue industry, even if that was not the intention. “The government does not have the ability to engage in cronyism.”
Both of the wedding barns involved in the lawsuit do not have a liquor license. They do not sell or provide alcohol, but they allow people who rent the facility and their guests to bring and drink alcohol on the premises. Bars, restaurants, and other event facility operators have been arguing for years that this gives wedding barns an advantage over them.
The lawsuit claims that the law allows for exemptions that are unconstitutional because they are arbitrary and nonsensical. Properties that are exempt from certain regulations include those owned by municipalities, schools, churches, clubs, and venues located in a professional stadium district. This includes parking lots around Lambeau Field in Green Bay and American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Daniel Gallagher, who owns Monarch Valley Wedding & Events, said that if his business is required to sell alcohol in a town where alcohol is not allowed, it will force him to close down.
Jean Bahn, who owns the Farmview Event Barn, mentioned that hosting weddings helps them cover the costs of improving their home and farm equipment, which is necessary to maintain their farm. This law was created by special interest groups in Madison to restrict competition, and that is unfair.
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