07/01/2026
đ¨ To My Fellow Oklahoma Bartenders & Bar Service Owners⌠Please Read. đ¨
This isnât a post to create drama. Itâs a post to protect another small business.
One of the most important lessons Iâve learned is this:
Just because a venue requires something doesnât automatically mean itâs allowed under your license.
Your license is your responsibilityânot the venueâs, not the clientâs, and not another vendorâs.
Recently, I reached out directly to the Oklahoma ABLE Commission for clarification regarding the transportation of alcohol purchased from a retail liquor store. I was advised that a licensed caterer cannot pick up or transport that alcohol. It must be picked up by the bride or groom themselves or delivered directly by a retail liquor store that offers delivery.
Because Oklahoma recently introduced the new Event Bartender License, I also asked for clarification regarding those license holders. I was advised that an Event Bartender likewise cannot pick up or pay for that alcohol.
I share this because I value every relationship Iâve built with venues across Oklahoma. Those partnerships matter to me, and I never want to lose one.
Unfortunately, my decision to follow the guidance provided by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission has now cost Luxe Bar Services a preferred vendor relationship.
That hurts.
But I refuse to risk the license Iâve worked so hard to earn and maintain just to satisfy a venue policy.
My bigger concern is for other small businesses. Policies like these can unintentionally place vendors in a position where they feel pressured to choose between protecting their license and protecting a business relationship. No small business should ever have to make that choice.
There is more than enough business for all of us. We shouldnât be competing by taking unnecessary risks or pushing the limits of compliance. We should be competing on professionalism, customer service, and the experience we provide our clients.
Weâve invested years of hard work, licensing fees, insurance, education, equipment, and countless hours building businesses we can be proud of. Donât let someone elseâs policy become your liability.
If youâre ever unsure whether something is permitted under your license, donât guess. Call the Oklahoma ABLE Commission. Ask questions. Get clarification. Protect yourself.
At the end of the day, if something goes wrong, itâs your license on the lineânot the venueâs.
Letâs continue raising the standard for Oklahomaâs event industry by supporting businesses that choose compliance over convenience.
Protect your license. Protect your livelihood. Follow the law.
