Alaska Breweries and Wineries Win Right to Host Live Music

Court rules state's restrictions on entertainment at breweries and wineries are unconstitutional

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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In a victory for small businesses, an Alaska court has ruled that the state's restrictions on live entertainment at breweries and wineries are unconstitutional. Previously, breweries and wineries were limited to just 4 entertainment events per year, while bars faced no such limits. The court found this two-tiered system violated the businesses' free speech and economic liberty rights.

Why it matters

The ruling is a win for the state's craft beverage industry, which argued the restrictions unfairly targeted them to protect bars from competition. It restores the ability of breweries and wineries to host live music, performances, and other entertainment for their customers, putting them on equal footing with bars.

The details

The lawsuit was brought by Zip Kombucha, Sweetgale Meadworks & Cider House, and Grace Ridge Brewing against the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control authorities. The businesses argued the state created an unconstitutional two-tiered system that burdened breweries and wineries with restrictions on entertainment that did not apply to bars. The court agreed, ruling the state's justifications for the disparate treatment were not legitimate.

  • In 2024, the state legislature rewrote the alcohol code to allow breweries and wineries to host up to 4 entertainment events per year, but required them to obtain a permit.
  • Last month, the Anchorage Superior Court sided with the businesses, ruling the entertainment restrictions unconstitutional.
  • The state has decided not to appeal the court's decision.

The players

Zip Kombucha

A kombucha producer that was previously able to host open mic nights and other entertainment under a restaurant license, but had to stop when it transitioned to a winery license.

Sweetgale Meadworks & Cider House

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control authorities.

Grace Ridge Brewing

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control authorities.

Pacific Legal Foundation

The nonprofit law firm that represented the businesses in the lawsuit at no cost.

Alcoholic Beverage Control authorities

The state agency that enforced the restrictions on entertainment at breweries and wineries.

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What they’re saying

“The Constitution — both federal and Alaska's own — exists to prevent precisely this kind of government overreach. The First Amendment protects expressive activity, including live music and performances.”

— Donna G. Matias, Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation (Anchorage Daily News)

What’s next

The judge's ruling will allow breweries and wineries in Alaska to host live music, performances, and other entertainment without the previous restrictions.

The takeaway

This court victory for Alaska's craft beverage industry restores their ability to offer the same entertainment options as bars, ensuring fair competition and protecting the free speech rights of small businesses.