Bill > SB348

This bill amends Delaware law to create new licensing categories and definitions for private events where alcohol may be served. It redefines "caterer" and "off-site caterer" to clarify their roles and requirements, particularly regarding the sale of food and beverages, and introduces the terms "private event" to mean an invitation-only gathering of up to 1,000 people, and "private event venue" as a place where such events are held. The bill allows caterers and off-site caterers to obtain licenses to provide alcoholic beverages at private events without the usual requirement of selling a certain percentage of food, provided specific conditions are met, such as all alcohol being provided by the licensed caterer and adequate food being available. It also establishes a new "private event license" that can be obtained by event organizers or venue operators, allowing for either a single event or a two-year period, with associated fees, and clarifies that these licensees cannot themselves sell alcohol but can permit its consumption under certain rules, including insurance and adherence to existing alcohol sale restrictions. Finally, the bill phases out a specific type of bottle club license for venues hosting social gatherings after its effective date, while allowing existing licensees to continue operating or transfer their licenses.