Selling Alcohol wording

mrs.forrister

My parents are hosting a party at their restaurant for New Year's Eve and would like to have alcohol for sale but don't want to "advertise" it due to police and license.  They can legally sell beer but do not have a liquor license.  They will have the mixers, juice, ice, etc. for liquor but the people will need to bring their own liquor.  Is there a creative way to say this without being so obvious? 

casmgn

What?

So they want to sell a type of alcohol that they are not legally able to? Why do they want to do this? And why will they be selling if people are just going to bring their own?

TarHeels&Rebels

Is it legal there for people to bring their own?  If so, have them do that.  It's very common here, and simple, too.  Why your parents would risk getting shut down over one night, when having people bring their own would be the safe, legal, and easy solution, is beyond me.

wejustwant2:)

Hi!  I think I understand this... because in NY state beer vs. liquor and wine have to be sold in separate store fronts and we ran into these issues when I worked in catering.  (We could obtain 1- day permits to sell liquor and wine at events and had to have the clients place there own beer orders based on our recommendations from a sep. vendor which they paid directly).

So - they can legally sell beer - which they should really encourage by having lots of fun different regional micro-brews etc. advertised in their description of the party,  some "winter ales" etc. and mention that non-alcoholic drinks/mixers are included or available for anyone else and of course a fun beer based punch for the NY's countdown.  Even a line... while we're waiting for our liquor license to be complete... then mention the fun beers.

  I wouldn't encourage folks to bring vodka etc. because it will cut into your beer sales - but perhaps a "bottle" check is OK if folks want to bring and perhaps charge an opening/serving fee?  Not sure exactly.  Let us know what is OK in your state.  The invite/advertisement should state in a small way that folks can't order it directly from your parents' restaurant but that "bottle" check or table service would be OK (bring your own flask).

Good Luck and Be Safe!

 

mrs.forrister

wejustwant2:):

Hi!  I think I understand this... because in NY state beer vs. liquor and wine have to be sold in separate store fronts and we ran into these issues when I worked in catering.  (We could obtain 1- day permits to sell liquor and wine at events and had to have the clients place there own beer orders based on our recommendations from a sep. vendor which they paid directly).

So - they can legally sell beer - which they should really encourage by having lots of fun different regional micro-brews etc. advertised in their description of the party,  some "winter ales" etc. and mention that non-alcoholic drinks/mixers are included or available for anyone else and of course a fun beer based punch for the NY's countdown.  Even a line... while we're waiting for our liquor license to be complete... then mention the fun beers.

  I wouldn't encourage folks to bring vodka etc. because it will cut into your beer sales - but perhaps a "bottle" check is OK if folks want to bring and perhaps charge an opening/serving fee?  Not sure exactly.  Let us know what is OK in your state.  The invite/advertisement should state in a small way that folks can't order it directly from your parents' restaurant but that "bottle" check or table service would be OK (bring your own flask).

Good Luck and Be Safe!

 

Thank you.  This is the case they are running into.  I actually disagree with the liquor/bring your own bottle thing because it does cut into beer sales.  They can make more money by just sticking to beer.  But it's not my call to make.  She just asked for help with invitation wording.  They can bring their own liquor but my parents place just isn't allowed to "sell" it.  I like the bottle check/service fee idea.  Thanks!

mrs.forrister

They won't be "selling" the liquor, just beer, which they are legally able to do so.  They will be selling the juices, mixers to go with the liquor that people bring themselves.

casmgn

I am still not completely understanding. It is legal for them to sell beer. It is legal for them to sell non-alcoholic mixers. It is legal for patrons to bring in their own liquor.

Why would the police get involved then?

riiskybusiness

casmgn:

I am still not completely understanding. It is legal for them to sell beer. It is legal for them to sell non-alcoholic mixers. It is legal for patrons to bring in their own liquor.

Why would the police get involved then?

I'm confused as well, but I'm guessing that the OP is looking for wording that makes it clear that they are NOT providing illegal liquor? I could be wrong.

I would suggest some thing like "For alcoholic beverages beyond our amazing selection of beers, BYOB! Mixers will be available."

6fsn

I also don't quite understand.  Considering this is a business and legal issue I'm going to say skip the cutesy and be blunt.