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Just Said Yes December 2019

Open bar possibilities?

Amanda, on May 9, 2019 at 4:53 PM Posted in Massachusetts Planning 0 4

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We want to buy all the alcohol ourselves and then give it to the caterer’s bartender, who we would of course pay and tip, to serve to our guests as an open bar. We could save major $$$ this way. I quickly ran it by the catering manager who told me no, but the way she worded her explanation makes me wonder if she’s not understanding what I’m describing? “It is illegal in MA to do so because you are "operating" under our liquor license so we are liable.”
We would not be serving it ourselves so what’s the difference where the liquor comes from?

Does anyone know anything about this?

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4 Comments

Latest activity by Jeanette, on June 19, 2019 at 9:30 PM

Expert October 2019
FutureMrsC · on May 10, 2019 at 9:40 AM
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I'm pretty sure I toured venues in MA that had the BYO alcohol option. It's possible she misunderstood what you meant, but it could also be due to the type of liquor license they carry. There are different types that covers different things and I'm guessing the type of license they carry prohibits outside liquor coming into the property. A BYOB liquor license is totally different and it varies by city and town if it allowed or not.
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Just Said Yes December 2019
Amanda · on May 11, 2019 at 4:38 PM
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That makes sense, thank you!
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
Sinéad · on May 14, 2019 at 9:32 AM
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Hey Amanda! Due to different liquor license options, you may have to take recommendations from the manager as to what your open bar options are. Perhaps you could have a look at this article before you decide - 20 Things You MUST Know If You're Having an Open Bar.
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Dedicated July 2020
Jeanette · on June 19, 2019 at 9:30 PM
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The venue we are looking at does this. There are two that she works with. He comes with a liquor license, liability insurance and 20+ years in experience. He brings everything else, cups, straws..etc. Your buy your own booze and he serves it. Whatever is left over you take home.
Professional bartending service inc. 508-361-7960 or 508- 540-7724. Www.probartendingservice.com
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