Do you need a license to serve alcohol (free) to customers?

Do you need a license to serve alcohol (free) to customers?

I have noticed this at many dealerships and clothing stores
that they will serve alcoholic drinks to their clients.

Is this legal?

 

Nobody can tell you because every city, county, state may be different.

Sell is one thing, give away may be something else, I would imagine you can give it away because I go to evenings at the local art museums, and they give away wine and cheese to the customers. As long as the person pouring the alcohol is of legal age, I'm guessing.

I also go to corporate Xmas parties that give away free booze.....

Best to call your city or county atty.

 

Thank you

 

Whisky is incorrect. Most states that require a specific license for the service of alcoholic beverages view it all the same way: sell, deliver, give away, furnish, barter - it all comes down to the transfer of alcoholic beverages from one individual to another. It could likely be construed as bootlegging...

Indiana for example, you have to have a premises permit to even be allowed to have the alcoholic beverages. THEN the person who actually serves the patron has to have an individual server permit. Every state varies, but I am an Indiana LEO so I'm a bit familiar with the laws here.

I'd check with your local LE agency. If you get arrested for bootlegging, you'd at least have something to go by. I don't think a judge would care what people in an online chat room say about it.

Art galleries are commonly the most likely place to find bootlegging activities. Lately I've been seeing nail salons and hair salons do this as well. I've never heard of a clothing store doing this but I guess its possible in a larger city like Indy.

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you

I'm in Orange County, CA