BERLIN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Two Wisconsin wedding venues, including one right here in Northeast Wisconsin, are suing the state over a new law that will limit how they do business.
The law, signed by Governor Tony Evers in 2023, would require the venues to obtain liquor licenses like other establishments that host events.
“This business was something I researched thoroughly and knew it was something my family could help with,” said Jean Bahn.
For the past eight years, she has operated Farmview Event Barn in Berlin, offering space for people to rent for weddings, showers and all sorts of parties.
Farmview simply provides the space, on a working farm, along with some décor options — but renters are responsible for providing their guests with food and drinks.
“I am not in here to be a millionaire. Honestly, the first five years, I probably spent every penny I made and more,” said Bahn.
Now, a new law scheduled to go into effect in 2026 is putting Farmview and other venues like it at risk.
“In fall of last year, the legislature passed Act 73 which was a law that changed the definition of public place, under state law. The definition has now expanded. It includes virtually any location in Wisconsin that is available to the public for rent, is now considered a public place and subject to licensing requirements,” said Lucas Vebber, an attorney with WILL, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.
Bahn and other venue owners, under the new law, have two options if they want to continue to operate.
They can apply for a liquor license. Or they can apply for a no sale permit, which would only allow renters to bring in beer or wine for their event — no liquor. Venues with that permit would only be allowed to host half a dozen events in one year with a one-a-month limit.
Bahn said, “It’s taken away my ability to be profitable by limiting me to six events a year if I continue to operate as I am.”
That’s why Farmview is one of two venues, being represented by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, in a lawsuit filed against the state Department of Revenue.
According to Vebber, “What our lawsuit seeks to do is just preserve this other option for businesses that don’t want to sell any liquor. They don’t make any money off of alcohol, that’s not what they do at all. They’re just simply renting the space and letting couples do what they want on their wedding day.”
The state has 45 days to respond to the lawsuit.
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