Auctioning Our Freedom

Thousands of charities, from international organizations to local churches, raise
money through silent-auctions, often featuring gift baskets donated by supporters.
Those gift baskets frequently include bottles of wine, beer, or other spirited prizes.
But it turns out that in many States the liquor laws prohibit such gift baskets,
especially in places like churches or community centers that have no liquor license
– even if the bottles remain unopened. The legislature in one state, Colorado, is
about to repeal that old law, and leave charitable fund-raisers free to do their best
for their good causes. Many of these legislators have looked through the lens of
liberty, and realized that fund-raising strategies of non-profit organizations are not
the government’s business. But many states still require permits and fees for such
events. If your State is one of them, it’s time for you to act.