In the state of Indiana there are many laws regarding alcohol, its possession, distribution, licensing, and permits.
If your event is at a private residence such as your personal home — backyard, basement, rooftop — and you are not open to the public, charging guests to attend, or profiting off of the event, there are no state mandated rules around alcohol.
That means YOU can supply your own alcohol including beer, wine, and spirits. No permits or licenses are required. People hire our services to make sure underage children are not being served, drinks are made properly, and guests are not over served.
If your event is at a public facility or somewhere you have paid money to rent the space, the rules are as follows:
If you want to serve hard alcohol such as vodka, whiskey, tequila, and other spirits, you must hire a state-licensed alcohol caterer who holds a 3-way license. The alcohol caterer is responsible for ordering, supplying, and distributing the alcohol. We can offer this service through our partner, Liquid Catering with The Haven.
If you would like to serve beer, wine, champagne, wine alternatives, and malt-based beverages, you have two choices.
1. You can hire an alcohol caterer who has a 2-way or a 3-way license. The alcohol caterer must order, supply, distribute, serve, and pay taxes on the beverages. We can offer this service through our partner, Liquid Catering with The Haven.
OR
2. You can obtain a temporary beer and wine permit and hire a licensed bartender. You’re able to buy the beer, wine, champagne, wine alternatives (wine-based liquors that mimic the flavors and character of traditional spirits), and malt-based beverages from the store of your choice, saving thousands of dollars.
Under the permit the rules are as follows:
- A permit must be obtained. The state charges $53.94
- You must present a blueprint of the venue with the bar location. The bar must be separated into a 21 and up area if minors are allowed at the event.
- YOU MUST HIRE A PERMITTED BARTENDER. THAT’S US!
- There must be a separate area with non-alcoholic beverages. Excise doesn’t want a child going to the bar for any reason.
- Once the party starts, there can not be any additional product carried in. Meaning no liquor store runs.
- Only beer, wine, champagne, wine alternatives, and malt-based beverages are allowed. It must say the liquor type on the package and be under 21% alcohol.
- There is no carry out services.
- At the end of the event, all open bottles must be dumped out so that no one is driving with open container.
Don’t stress out! We’re experts in this process. We can handle the permitting process for you! Contact us today and let’s make this easy!
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