The owners of two Wisconsin wedding barns have filed a lawsuit against the state seeking to block the enactment of a new law that requires them to obtain liquor licenses. The law, which was passed last year, affects all levels of the state’s alcohol industry, including wedding venues that host events but are not traditional bars or restaurants. The new law requires these venues to either obtain a permit to host events with alcohol a limited number of times a year, or obtain a liquor license to sell alcohol at unlimited events.
The lawsuit, filed in Trempealeau County Circuit Court, argues that the new law violates equal protection guarantees and the right to earn a living under the Wisconsin Constitution. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, representing the wedding barn owners, claims that the law prevents competitive innovation in the wedding venue industry and is a form of government cronyism. The lawsuit also points out exemptions in the law for certain types of properties, such as those owned by municipalities, churches, and clubs, as well as venues located in professional stadium districts, which the owners argue are arbitrary and unfair.
Wedding barn owners such as Daniel Gallagher of Monarch Valley Wedding & Events and Jean Bahn of Farmview Event Barn have expressed concerns that the new law will negatively impact their businesses. Gallagher stated that being required to become a liquor retailer in a dry township could force his business to close, while Bahn mentioned that hosting weddings at her barn helps to fund upgrades to her property. Both owners believe that the legislation was designed by special interests to limit competition in the industry, and they feel that it is unjust and unfair.
The new law, which is set to go into effect in 2026, would require wedding barns and other private event venues to comply with the same regulations as traditional bars and restaurants when it comes to serving alcohol. Currently, these venues do not need liquor licenses and often work with licensed vendors to provide alcohol at events. The lawsuit argues that the law’s requirements are burdensome and could prevent smaller, rural venues from being able to compete in the market.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which is named in the lawsuit, has not commented on the legal action. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on the case and whether the new law will be upheld or modified. Wedding barn owners and other stakeholders in the industry will be closely watching the proceedings, as the outcome could have significant implications for how events are hosted and regulated in the state of Wisconsin.
