Two Wisconsin wedding barns have filed a lawsuit against the state in an attempt to block a new law that requires them to obtain liquor licenses. The law, which was enacted last year, aims to regulate the state’s alcohol industry by requiring all establishments that host events to have permits or licenses to sell or allow alcohol legally. This includes predominantly rural venues on farms that host events such as wedding receptions. The lawsuit argues that the law violates equal protection guarantees and the right to earn a living under the Wisconsin Constitution by imposing an illegal, non-uniform tax. The wedding barn owners claim that the law prevents competitive innovation in the wedding venue industry and is a form of government cronyism.
Under the new law, wedding barns have the option to obtain a permit that allows them to host events a limited number of times per year, or a liquor license that permits them to sell alcohol at as many events as they wish. Currently, wedding barns and other private event venues do not need liquor licenses to operate, and many contract with licensed vendors to provide alcohol at events. The lawsuit argues that this requirement puts wedding barns at a competitive disadvantage compared to traditional bars, restaurants, and other event facilities. Additionally, the law allows for exemptions for certain properties, such as those owned by municipalities, schools, churches, and clubs, as well as venues located in professional stadium districts.
The owners of the wedding barns involved in the lawsuit do not currently have liquor licenses and do not sell or provide alcohol themselves. Instead, they allow guests who rent the facility to bring and consume alcohol on site. The lawsuit alleges that requiring these businesses to become liquor retailers in dry townships will ultimately lead to their closure. The owners of Farmview Event Barn and Monarch Valley Wedding & Events argue that hosting weddings allows them to finance upgrades to their property and equipment, and that the new law was designed to limit competition rather than address legitimate regulatory concerns in the alcohol industry.
The lawsuit was filed in Trempealeau County Circuit Court and is being supported by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty. The complaint argues that the exemptions allowed under the law are arbitrary and nonsensical, creating an unfair advantage for certain types of venues while hindering the ability of wedding barns to operate successfully. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which is being sued by the wedding barn owners, has declined to comment on the legal action. The outcome of this lawsuit could have lasting implications for the wedding venue industry in Wisconsin and potentially influence similar regulations in other states.
