Room Parties

SpoCon Room Parties!

What is a party? Any event held in hotel space where:

Public invitations are given out. (Posting flyers, handing out flyers, verbal announcements, etc.)
If multiple ConCom or Security is notified and they choose to label it as a party (extreme cases).

Rules:

A member(s) of SpoCon must register the party and attend a party meeting, they are responsible to see that the rest of the rules are followed in their party. (This may be more than one person.)
Responsible individuals must not be under the influence of alcohol.
If alcoholic drinks are served ALL members must show valid identification. (Per WA state liquor laws)
No alcoholic drinks in hotel or other convention space. All alcohol must remain in the party room.
Parties will only start after 6:00p P.M. and doors close at 2:00 A.M.
Doors may be closed if your party is invite only; however you must authorize ConCom or Security to enter the room.
Comply with all hotel rules and Washington state law. *SEE BELOW*
It is your responsibility to contact Security should the need arise, be proactive in solving problems, ask for assistance if it is needed.
Authorized ConCom and Security have the right to shut down the party for any reason.
It is not your right, but a privilege to hold a room party at SpoCon. This can and will be revoked if the above rules are not followed. Penalties range from warnings up to and including expulsion from SpoCon and revoking all future party requests.
Remember the #1 rule "Everyone have fun!" and practice common sense.

Hotel Obligations:

There is NO damage or cleaning deposit. If there is damage or excessive cleaning needed the hotel will charge the credit card with which you made reservations.
Room must be in the party wing. If you registered a party and your room is in the wrong wing notify the hotel liaison as soon as possible, no parties will be allowed in other areas. If you did not register your party prior to the event there is no guarantee you will be able to host one.
When making reservations you will need to request the Room Party Wing on the 3rd floor. We can then OK you on the 3rd floor when you notify the Room Party Liaison.
The hotel will remove furniture if you would like, there is a $50 charge.

New Rules and Regulations

As we have to do things a bit differently this year I wanted to give everyone an early warning regarding new rules and regulations handed down from the oh so lovely, compromising, and friendly Washington State Liquor Control Board.

In the past we have always worked from a Banquet Permit. We cannot do this anymore as the WSLCB has confirmed that NO money can be exchanged, donated, gifted, tipped, with a banquet permit. (Yes, other cons do this... NorwesCon, etc., but the genial Board is breathing down just our necks.)

I have put in an application for a Special Occasion Permit for Friday and Saturday night. SpoCon will pay the $120 required for the permit. http://liq.wa.gov/licensing/special-occasion-licenses

What this means, is that you HAVE to charge per drink. The minimum you can charge is the cost of alcohol ... which must be purchased at full retail price at a Washington State liquor store (technically). For example, Marmot Juice will be $1 a cup. The upside now is that you can accept tips, donations, etc. You also do NOT need licensed bartenders or MAST permits.

Per the WSLCB Website regarding Special Occassion Permits:
Available to bona fide nonprofit organizations
Allows sales of spirits, beer and wine by individual serving for on-premises consumption
All proceeds from the sale of liquor must go directly back into the nonprofit organization
The local authority (i.e. mayor or county executive) will be notified of your application and have the opportunity to weigh in on the application
Organizations are limited to 12 single-day events per calendar year
Special occasion licensees may not advertise or sell alcohol below cost
Spirits must be purchased at retail from a state or contract liquor store. Beer or wine may be purchased wholesale or retail.

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There will be a Room Party Meeting panel early on Friday of SpoCon. If you cannot make this, do not worry, I will probably be in the Mad Marmot room decorating all day and easy to find.