Special events under Department of Revenue scrutiny
“Georgia Department of Revenue officials said Monday they are stepping up enforcement of the rules for buying alcohol to be served at special events.
The rules mainly apply to nonprofits, although businesses and for-profit organizations also are affected.
Violations would result in an administration citation. A hearing officer could fine the event organizers anywhere from $100 to $500.
Mike Earnest, assistant director of the alcohol and tobacco division, said complaints filed with the DOR related to how and where nonprofits obtain their alcohol are largely responsible for the stepped up enforcement.
The agency is now getting up to 2,500 requests a year for special event licenses.
“Business owners are looking at these more and they’re saying these events may not be following all the laws and regulations,” Earnest said.
The alcohol must come from a licensed wholesaler — to ensure the excise tax is paid — and must be delivered directly to the site of the event.” — Doug Walker
I am curious which “business owners” are upset about the way special events are being managed and which business owners actually filed complaints.
Nevertheless, special event permittees, indeed, are required to purchase alcohol from wholesalers.
Georgia Craft Beer Lawyer 