[Michlib-l] Requesting Assistance/Advice for Event Planning

[Membiela, Clare (MDE)]

Hello Tash:

That sounds like a fun event!

Your friends' group may wish to consider working with an established winery or vendor for this event. There are provisions in the law for tasting events, and a winery or vendor would already have the appropriate licenses, as well as training in the appropriate required restrictions. However, the friends' group would still have to comply with applicable fundraising laws and requirements. The friends' could contact MDARD  Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to verify whether they would be exempt from needing a food license-https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/food/foodest/list-of-food-license-exemptions-does-your-business-qualify)

The friends' group could do their own, but they would require alcohol (see alcohol info below) and maybe food licensure (see food info above), and there are other considerations such as making sure the event is covered by applicable insurance, that minors are prevented from participating, any food offered is in compliance with applicable public health requirements, etc. Also, staffing can be an issue. It would be potentially problematic for library staff to work for the friends' event "on the clock." (they could volunteer, however).

The library as a separate legal entity from the friends group. Therefore, the library- especially as a governmental entity- has to be cautious about mixing friends activities with library sponsored events.  Especially fundraising events sponsored by the friends'. The friends would be the host of this event and would need to obtain the relevant licensure. There is a special license required for events providing alcohol and fundraising Non-Profit Special License Information<https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/lcc/faq/special-licenses>. The friends may want to contact the Liquor Control commission ( see contact information below).

If the event is being held in the library, you will want to check your municipality's ordinances or regulations for any prohibition on alcohol in public or municipal buildings. The friends may have to talk to municipal government or their lawyer if the municipality has restrictions on alcohol in public or municipal buildings.

It may also be helpful for your friends' group to contact FOML (Friends of Michigan Libraries) FOML is a very robust group of friends from libraries across the state and they can be very helpful with their experience in these sorts of activities. -  FOML Contact Us |<https://foml.org/contact-us/>

Liquor Control Board
Contact Information
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Phone: 866-813-0011
Fax: 517-763-0057
mlccinfo2 at michigan.gov<mailto:mlccinfo2 at michigan.gov>

As always, it is a good idea for the friends to consult their attorney regarding event questions, and it's a good idea for the library to consult its attorney regarding the library's role in the event - particularly as it may affect employment requirements.

I hope this is helpful! Please contact me if I can answer any questions or provide additional information.
Take care!
Clare

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
MembielaC at michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC at michigan.gov>
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).
[Michigan.gov/Vote logo   Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.


From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> On Behalf Of Natasha Netzley via Michlib-l
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 11:13 AM
To: michlib-l at mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Requesting Assistance/Advice for Event Planning

CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse at michigan.gov<mailto:abuse at michigan.gov>

Good morning,

Our Friends group is planning to host a wine and cheese tasting event in the future, and we were seeking advice from other facilities that have hosted similar events. Since this event includes alcohol, we are trying to cover all of our bases.

If you have hosted an event at your library that included alcohol, what was the permit process like, if you had to go through with securing a permit? Were there any other necessary procedures that had to be done before hosting the event? Finally, is there anything you would do differently if you hosted a similar event again?

Thank you in advance for any advice you may have, I appreciate your time and hope you all have a lovely day.

[cid:image003.jpg at 01DB35CD.DB7B2490]
Tash Netzley (they/them)
Cataloger & Technical Services Assistant
Alma Public Library
500 E. Superior St., Alma, MI 48801
Phone: 989-463-3966 ex. 9582
Website: Alma Public Library<http://www.youseemore.com/alma/default.asp>
Email: nnetzley at myalma.org<mailto:nnetzley at myalma.org>


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