Can You Host That Wedding? Legal Pitfalls in Winery Event Contracts and Liquor Law Compliance
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Michigan’s wineries have become some of the state’s most sought-after wedding and event destinations. Vineyard views, fun tasting rooms, and a local atmosphere make these venues desirable to couples seeking something different from traditional banquet halls. For winery owners, event rentals offer an appealing revenue stream, especially in months when tourism or tasting room sales slow down.
But as the number of weddings and private events on Michigan vineyard properties continues to rise, so do the legal risks. Hosting an event where alcohol is served, food is catered, and hundreds of guests gather on agricultural land raises complicated issues under state liquor law, local zoning regulations, and common-law liability principles. Many winery owners are surprised to learn that a single oversight in permitting, contracting, or compliance can jeopardize not only the event but also the winery’s liquor license and, in turn, the business itself.
In short, before the first glass of sparkling rosé is poured, it’s critical to ensure your legal foundation is as sound as your wine.
Liquor Law Limitations: What Your License Actually Allows
The first and most fundamental legal question for any Michigan winery hosting a wedding or private event is: does your existing liquor license authorize this?
Under Michigan’s Liquor Control Code, a winery’s license allows it to sell and serve the wine it manufactures under tightly defined conditions. A Small Wine Maker License or Wine Maker License permits on-premises sales and tastings, but those privileges are tied to specific areas approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). These designated areas are known as the “licensed premises.”
If a wedding or event extends beyond those approved areas, for example onto a patio, into a production building, or across vineyard grounds, the winery is at risk of serving alcohol outside its licensed premises. That could be a violation of state law. Even when guests consume only wine produced on-site, serving in unlicensed spaces or allowing guests to bring in other alcohol (like beer or liquor) can expose the winery to fines, suspension, or even loss of its license.
For off-site events, such as a wine dinner at a partner venue, a winery must obtain a Special License through the MLCC. This process requires advance application and compliance with venue and insurance standards. The same rules apply if a winery allows outside vendors, such as caterers, to sell or serve alcohol on winery property. The entity serving alcohol must be properly licensed and insured, and the arrangement should be clearly spelled out in writing.
Zoning, Noise, and the Neighbors
Even if the MLCC approves your service area, your local township or county zoning board may have something to say about your plans. Michigan’s Right to Farm Act provides significant protection to agricultural operations, including vineyards, but it doesn’t override local zoning ordinances when the activity at issue is primarily commercial, like hosting weddings or corporate events.
Before promoting your winery as an event venue, review your local zoning classification and conditional use approvals. Agricultural zones may limit event size, restrict the use of amplified music, or require additional parking, lighting, or traffic plans. Violating those rules can lead to complaints, fines, or even revocation of any local permits.
Noise complaints are a frequent challenge for wineries. Even one frustrated neighbor can trigger enforcement action from local authorities or create community tension that impacts your long-term operations. Many wineries address this proactively by including sound curfews in event contracts and investing in noise-dampening landscaping or sound barriers.
The Importance of a Carefully Drafted Event Contract
Once licensing and zoning are confirmed, the next line of defense is your event contract. A well-drafted agreement should do more than reserve the date. It should also allocate risk, establish expectations, and protect the winery if something goes wrong.
Common pitfalls include contracts that include ambiguous terms or fail to define who controls alcohol service, who bears responsibility for property damage, or how cancellations and weather delays are handled, for example. If an intoxicated guest causes harm, if a vendor damages the tasting room, or if unexpectedly harsh weather forces a last-minute cancellation, vague or one-sided contract terms can leave the winery bearing costs it never intended to assume.
At a minimum, a strong event contract should include clear terms on payment and deposits, cancellation rights, indemnification and insurance, alcohol service protocols, and compliance with local laws. The contract should also prohibit guests and vendors from bringing outside alcohol onto the property unless explicitly authorized.
Couples often assume they can provide their own champagne or beer to supplement the winery’s offerings. Allowing that without a proper secondary license or written MLCC approval can constitute an illegal alcohol sale on your premises. The safest approach is to specify in the contract that only the winery may provide and serve alcohol, and that all service must comply with Michigan liquor laws.
Insurance and Liability: Planning for the Unexpected
Even the most careful planning can’t prevent every mishap. Accidents, injuries, and property damage are real risks at large gatherings where alcohol is served. Every Michigan winery that hosts events should maintain robust liquor liability and general commercial liability insurance coverage.
Liquor liability insurance protects the winery if an intoxicated guest causes harm to others after leaving the event, such as in a drunk driving incident. General liability coverage protects against injuries or property damage occurring on-site. Wineries should also require third-party vendors, especially caterers, bartenders, and event coordinators, to carry their own insurance and name the winery as an additional insured party.
It’s equally important to train staff on responsible service practices. Even if a winery doesn’t operate like a bar, dram shop liability principles still apply (see my previous Wine Law article regarding dram shop liability). Serving a visibly intoxicated guest or failing to check identification can expose the business to lawsuits under Michigan’s Dram Shop Act (MCL 436.1801).
Conclusion
Michigan wineries are uniquely positioned to offer unforgettable venues for weddings and special events. But these experiences must be built on a firm legal foundation. Ensuring compliance with state liquor laws, local zoning regulations, and contractual safeguards isn’t just good practice, it’s essential protection for your license, your business, and your guests.
At Howard & Howard, we help wineries and vineyard owners navigate the intersection of hospitality and regulation, from drafting event contracts to advising on liquor licensing, zoning compliance, and risk management. If your winery is planning to expand its event offerings or wants to ensure its operations are fully compliant, we can help you do so confidently and legally.
