Hello!
Here is some information regarding alcohol at library events. Because individual situations differ, it is important to consult your library’s attorney before determining a course of action.
Also, it was mentioned that the event is a “private” event. If the event is an event hosted by a member of the public in the library’s public meeting room , it is likely permissible as long as the people are bringing their own alcohol
(alcohol is permitted at private events within certain parameters- the library should contact the Michigan) and acting within the scope of the library policies. Again, depending on exact circumstances, note that public libraries, as government entities, must
be cautious when using public (library) assets or public(library) funds for private purposes. This means that the purchase of alcohol for this event is possibly not permitted using library funds.- even if those funds were given to the library by an outside
party (unless the funds are a specifically designated donation). You will also want to talk with your municipality and check your local ordinances to see if there is a prohibition on alcohol in government buildings or grounds (this could also depend on who
owns your library building).
In addition, whether the event is in the meeting room or is a library sponsored event, the library may be responsible for ensuring minors are not served and will want to investigate their liability insurance coverage for injuries befalling
or caused by inebriated guests (including drunk driving). It is strongly encouraged for libraries to consult their attorneys on issues involving private events at the library.
So, the Liquor Control Commission enforces liquor licenses – not the liquor laws. If you don’t have a license, and you break the law, that would be law enforcement. If you have a license and violate that license (ie serve underage, etc.,)
then the liquor control board can get involved, as well as law enforcement.
Whether you need a non-profit license seems to depend a lot on whether the event is
at all commercial:
Non-Profit Licenses ARE required:
- If money changes hands – For example - winery speaks about wine, offers tasting and also offers wine for sale at the event; Event is fundraiser where participants are charged for tickets
or entry; If food is sold at event but wine tasting is free- ANY scenario where someone makes money.
- If no money changes hands at event, but speaker anticipates a “reward” of increased business because of event-“deals” or coupons for purchasing beverages at reduced cost at his/her winery,
for example, or spends time “selling” his or her wine during presentation (event is a defacto commercial).
The Michigan Liquor Control commission tells me, however, if you have a local person knowledgeable about wine (say, from a local wine store, etc.) and the library purchases the wine, and participants register and the event is held in a
venue like a library meeting room (as opposed to the library front lawn or park), the library CAN hold a tasting without a license- as long as there are no sales and no costs to participants – is, no one benefits from the event.
You also need to make sure that your library’s liability insurance is up to this event, and that your municipality has no prohibitions for alcohol at that intended venue (such as prohibitions for public buildings or parks).
The bottom line is that ultimately it is your local law enforcement which is the entity charged with enforcing the law. Therefore, it is up to their interpretation. This is what makes this hard. It is difficult to get a firm opinion from
anyone on this.
On paper it seems like a typical library tasting should not need a license:
MCL 436.1913 prohibits the unlicensed provision of alcohol for consideration. (consideration meaning "consideration" includes any fee, cover charge, ticket purchase, the storage
of alcoholic liquor, the sale of food, ice, mixers, or other liquids used with alcoholic liquor drinks, or the purchasing of any service or item, or combination of service and item; or includes the furnishing of glassware or other containers for use in the
consumption of alcoholic liquor in conjunction with the sale of food.”). MCL 436.1915
governs the possession of alcohol in public areas (libraries could be considered “public areas.” MCL 436. 2027 governs “Consumer tasting events” by vendors and manufacturers of alcoholic beverages,
and doesn’t necessarily fit the library scenario (unless it is a winery or brewery that is conducting the tasting).
The advice given to me by the Michigan Liquor Control Board is if unsure, consult your local law enforcement and their opinion should govern.
You may want to show your police contact the letter from the Liquor Control Board I’ve attached as well as the statutes I have linked above and make sure that they know exactly how your event will work and whether anyone is being paid.
If all else fails, you may be just safer getting a license.
I hope this is helpful.
If the aim is to earn money – as a fundraiser, you will likely have to obtain a license:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_10570_16941-391552--,00.html
The Liquor Control Commission also has contact information at this site where you can call them for additional information. I have found them to be very helpful!
As always, a library should consult their library’s attorney on issues involving legal consequences of library events.
I hope this is helpful!
Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
517-335-8132
The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice
with respect to any particular issue or problem.
“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.”
Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).
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From: Isabella Rowan via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 2:52 PM
To: Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] Wine at a private library event
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please report suspicious emails via the "Report to Abuse" button in Outlook
Hello Hive,
I'm planning an opening reception for an exhibit that will be private by invitation only. What do I have to do in order to legally serve wine?
Please advise.
Thanks,
Isabella Rowan, MLIS
Library Director
Phone: 517-223-9089, Ext. 111
130 S. Grand Ave.
Fowlerville, MI 48836
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged,
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