Wisconsin judge upholds stricter liquor rules for wedding barns despite backlash
A Wisconsin judge has upheld new liquor rules for wedding barns after a legal challenge from venue owners. The decision means these businesses must now follow stricter regulations similar to those for bars and restaurants. Two barn owners and a conservative law firm had argued the changes were unfair and would hurt their operations.
The lawsuit was filed by two wedding barn owners and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL), represented by the law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. They claimed the 2023 law was overly broad and designed to protect traditional bars rather than address real concerns. A key point of contention was the ban on guests bringing their own alcohol, which the owners said would force them to completely change how they run events.
The rules were part of a wider 2023 law pushed by the state’s Tavern League, which sought to tighten alcohol regulations across Wisconsin. Judge Rian Radtke dismissed the case, stating the law had a clear public safety purpose when alcohol is sold commercially. WILL’s deputy counsel, Lucas Vebber, later criticized the ruling, saying it failed to recognize the burden on small businesses.
Wedding barn owners had warned that complying with the new rules would mean higher costs and fewer bookings. Under the law, they must now follow the same licensing and oversight as bars, restaurants, and large event halls.
The ruling leaves the 2023 liquor regulations in place, requiring wedding barns to adapt to stricter oversight. Owners must now decide whether to adjust their business models or challenge the law through other means. For now, the state’s approach to alcohol service at these venues remains unchanged.
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