An Assembly Committee held a public hearing Wednesday on a bill that would allow people to drink alcoholic beverages on campuses of private colleges in Wisconsin during events sponsored by the college.
Under current law, public consumption of alcohol is only allowed when someone has an appropriate license or permit. If events are not open to the public, then it is legal for people to consume alcohol.
Certain exemptions do exist, including for county buildings, parks, athletic fields, state fair parks, clubs, churches and school buildings.
University of Wisconsin System schools also have an exemption. The bill would create another exemption for private college events.
According to Tyler August, spokesperson for Rep. Thomas Lothian, R-Williams Bay, the bill would level the playing field for serving alcohol at events sponsored by public and private schools.
August said the bill would only apply to events specifically sponsored by a private college, not by student groups. People would be able to bring in their own alcohol, but the school would not be providing it directly.
The bill was proposed because George Williams College, which is in Lothian’s district, puts on an annual “Music by the Lake” event.
People traditionally bring in a bottle of wine or beer with them to the event, however the university was informed this practice was actually illegal. People who attend are not allowed to bring in alcohol because it is technically a public event, and they sell tickets.
Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, compared the “Music by the Lake” event to “Concerts on the Square” in Madison, the weekly summer music event at the state Capitol.
“It’s in no way, shape or form some sort of a university kegger as they call them, where college students are having a big party,” Kedzie said. “These are adults, these are individuals who are coming for an evening or afternoon of entertainment.”
Edward Huck, executive director of the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities, Inc., said his group opposes the bill because it would allow for an unregulated venue to serve alcohol.
Huck added he believes it should be up to a city to get a permit for events that people would like to consume alcohol at because they can decide whether the venue is appropriate or if there would be a better approach.
“The city has a lot at stake. As you might guess, events that serve alcoholic beverages have some unintended consequences that go with them,” Huck said.
Cities need to be able to plan for events that have alcohol, including possibly coordinating a police presence. The permit process allows for that type of review, Huck added.
Bill Duncan, vice president of George Williams College, said “Music on the Lake” provides a great way for people in the community to come together and enjoy music.
“I would hope that the committee would look favorably on that practice and allow this tradition to continue,” Duncan said “It’s an opportunity for the college to bring pop and classical events to the lake community.”