Serving alcohol at an HOA event

Started by JanetC1 • 6 replies • 6441 views

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JanetC1 (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

I manage a Florida homeowners association and have been searching the statutes and liquor laws (with little success) for information about liquor being served at association sponsored events. Does anyone know if an HOA needs a liquor license in the state of FL? For example, the Drama Club, a chartered club of the HOA, puts on a fund raising event and serves beer and wine. Can owners "bring their own booze" to an HOA sponsored event, like a community picnic? Can a Florida HOA charge for a glass of beer/wine at an event to raise money?
Thank you!

JosephW (Michigan)
Posts: 882

Posted:

Although not Florida, I wouldn't be surprised if most of the items in this article apply to your state also:

http://www.caimichigan.org/articles/liability_on_tap_summer_parties_.htm

This is an excellent article regarding your liability. The insurance issues are critical.

Joe

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BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

Janet:

I think the only time you would need a liquor license is if you are selling the alcohol.

CharlesW1 (Georgia)
Posts: 826

Posted:

JanetC1,

I’m kind of new to what you can and can’t do in an HOA. I don’t particularly know what the correct answer would be, although, serving any alcohol IMHO wouldn’t be a good idea. I understand people aren’t going to be getting “hammered” but it’s the whole idea!
I’m not completely sure, but I wouldn’t think you could charge for serving such beverages at an HOA event either. I wish I could be of some help to you.
I’m sorry to sound so negative about this topic. That is a good question that, I personally just don’t know.
I’ll be interested in reading what others say when responding to your topic. You will be helping me to understand what I will or won't be able to do in my HOA.

Good luck.
You maybe able to sell beverages, I wouldn’t think so though. HMMMMM

You should get some very good advice from the members of HOATalk.

Chuck W.

Charles E. Wafer Jr.

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

Unless I Am mistaken you can't sell unless the HOA has a liquor license. Insurance and liability are huge concerns anytime there is alcohol. I personally would make any official HOA function alcohol free, just too many bad things can happen and not enough good to justify it.

RoseM5 (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Dear JanetC:
I also have the same question in regards to (Can residents of a HOA host a party and allow the residents to BYOB. Is there a liability
that the (committee members) of the HOA will be exposed to if a resident that attended the party got into a DUI accident. We are also
in Florida. Thanks for your info.

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Janet,

Frankly, I do NOT think it's a good idea for the HOA to serve liquor at an assn function. I would think there would be liability issues at play. Also, I believe a liquor license is required when liquor is being sold. If the Drama Club is regulated by the BOD, then, IMO, they should be instructed that no liquor can be served -- either free or for a charge. If serving liquor is the only way they can get people to attend the fundraiser, then they should forget about holding it! And, no it should not be a BYOB event either!!

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