Policy committee opens discussion on limited alcohol sales at district PAC, asks administrators to check liability

Committee members discussed a proposal to permit limited beer and wine sales for adult-focused events at the Germantown School District Performing Arts Center (PAC), but no formal policy change was approved.

The chair explained Wisconsin's temporary Class B license rules and noted those licenses are typically issued to bona fide clubs, chambers of commerce, fair associations or churches — not explicitly to school districts. He suggested a booster club or other qualified local organization might apply for a temporary license to serve beer or wine at events. PAC advisory participants and the PAC lead (Heather) said outsourcing sales to a licensed business or volunteer organization would reduce district liability and operational burden; Heather expressed a preference that the district not store alcohol on campus and recommended outsourcing sales.

Board members repeatedly raised insurance and liability concerns: administrators were instructed to consult the district's insurer and legal counsel to determine whether coverage or legal constraints would make the idea infeasible. Possible mitigation ideas included using licensed bartenders, limiting events to district-run community concerts, packaging drink tickets with ticket purchases and requiring thorough cleanup after events so school operations are not affected.

Next steps: Administration will research insurance, legal and licensing constraints and bring draft guidance to a future meeting; no motion was made to change policy tonight.