Two Wisconsin wedding barns have filed a lawsuit against the state in an attempt to block the enactment of a new law that requires them to obtain liquor licenses. The law, which was passed last year, aims to regulate the state’s alcohol industry and affects all establishments that sell or allow alcohol. Traditional bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues are already required to have liquor licenses, but wedding barns and other private event venues have been exempt. The new law gives wedding barn owners the option to obtain a permit that allows them to host events a limited number of times per year or a liquor license that allows them to sell alcohol at any event.
The lawsuit, filed by Farmview Event Barn in Berlin and Monarch Valley Wedding & Events in Blair, argues that the law is unconstitutional and unfairly targets wedding barns by limiting their ability to operate and compete in the industry. The owners of the wedding barns do not currently have liquor licenses and do not sell alcohol themselves, but they allow guests to bring and consume their own alcohol. The lawsuit alleges that the law violates equal protection guarantees and the right to earn a living under the Wisconsin Constitution, as it imposes an illegal and non-uniform tax on wedding barns. Wedding barn owners argue that the new regulations will prevent them from innovating and competing in the wedding venue industry.
The new law also allows for exemptions for certain types of properties, including those owned by municipalities, schools, churches, and clubs, as well as venues located in professional stadium districts. Wedding barn owners believe that these exemptions are arbitrary and nonsensical, and unfairly target their businesses while giving others a competitive advantage. Daniel Gallagher, owner of Monarch Valley Wedding & Events, fears that the law will force his business to close, as he operates in a dry township where obtaining a liquor license would be difficult. Jean Bahn, owner of Farmview Event Barn, relies on hosting weddings to make upgrades to her farm equipment and keep her farm running, and believes that the law was designed to limit competition in the industry.
The lawsuit was filed in Trempealeau County Circuit Court, and it seeks to overturn the new law that requires wedding barns to obtain liquor licenses. Wedding barn owners argue that the law is unconstitutional and violates their rights under the Wisconsin Constitution. They believe that the regulations imposed by the law will prevent them from innovating and competing in the industry, and will ultimately lead to the closure of their businesses. Wedding barn owners are calling for the law to be repealed and for a fair and equal playing field to be established for all businesses in the alcohol industry in Wisconsin.
