Donations and House Parties

[tribbles]

If the donation was just like a 'tip jar' would that work as long as everyone did still donate?

Then it's not a cover charge.......

[JustAskJulie]

Originally Posted by tribbles

If the donation was just like a 'tip jar' would that work as long as everyone did still donate?

Then it's not a cover charge.......

The donation issue is irrelavent in regards to the topic of this particular thread... but in regards to clubs that do take "donations", if it was a tip jar and everyone did donate (by choice and not by requirement) that would be great. But, the reality is that when donations are really donations (and not required) only a small percentage of patrons will actually donate.

This is an issue with so many house party clubs as well. Most of them while they call themselves house parties operate as businesses. Because they require a donation they are actually charging a door fee and therefore operating as a business (without proper licenses and permits to do so).

[knb2004]

Originally Posted by JustAskJulie

(without proper licenses and permits to do so).

I realize this is getting dangerously close to discussing politics, but in this thread it is at least an undertone.

I don't suppose I'd get much argument here, but why in the world should a house party require permission from the local "authorities" in order to exist? Even if they are turning a profit? Granted, if there is a noise problem, or parking, or any other kind, that's an issue, but that's separate from the mere right to exist.

[JustAskJulie]

Originally Posted by knb2004

I realize this is getting dangerously close to discussing politics, but in this thread it is at least an undertone.

I don't suppose I'd get much argument here, but why in the world should a house party require permission from the local "authorities" in order to exist? Even if they are turning a profit? Granted, if there is a noise problem, or parking, or any other kind, that's an issue, but that's separate from the mere right to exist.

Fine line between discussing what is being discussed and discussing politics.... all that matters in regards to this thread (and others) is what the law actually is... that's not discussing politics. But when you start discussing the WHY of a law or how it should be changed or is wrong, then you are discussing politics.

Any time you run a business from your home (whatever that business may be) you have to get proper licenses and permits. Even selling Ebay from home is considered a business that requires a business license (if you are making over the minimum $600/yr from doing so). So if you are having house parties and charging a cover charge THAT IS a business, there's really no arguing that point.

I have a business license to run this site from my house. What is specifically reqiured is going to vary from area to area, but it IS the responsibility of ANY club owner (whether it's an actual club or a house party charging a door fee) to know and follow their local laws.

Not understanding that and treating your house parties as a business is the reason we've seen several in recent months gone after by their local law (including the recent issue in FL). It's not to say that they can't go after you anyway, but when you ignore small things like permits and licenses you just open the door for them to shut you down.

[knb2004]

Originally Posted by JustAskJulie

I have a business license to run this site from my house. What is specifically reqiured is going to vary from area to area, but it IS the responsibility of ANY club owner (whether it's an actual club or a house party charging a door fee) to know and follow their local laws.

Not understanding that and treating your house parties as a business is the reason we've seen several in recent months gone after by their local law (including the recent issue in FL). It's not to say that they can't go after you anyway, but when you ignore small things like permits and licenses you just open the door for them to shut you down.

You are right. I work from home, and have for the last 12 years or so. I used to live on the West Coast, and where I lived even what I do, which requires me, a desk, a chair, a phone, and a computer, required a business license, which I had. Here, it does not. (Either that, or my employer has chosen to ignore it, or simply does not know about it.)

Ignoring those types of things have gotten a number of clubs in trouble.

I guess my point is, why is requiring licenses for something like a party, ESPECIALLY when there is no discernable impact outside of the closed doors, reasonable.

I'll shut up know, cause I know I'm walking on eggshells, and I don't want this to degenerate.

[JustAskJulie]

Originally Posted by knb2004

You are right. I work from home, and have for the last 12 years or so. I used to live on the West Coast, and where I lived even what I do, which requires me, a desk, a chair, a phone, and a computer, required a business license, which I had. Here, it does not. (Either that, or my employer has chosen to ignore it, or simply does not know about it.)

Ignoring those types of things have gotten a number of clubs in trouble.

I guess my point is, why is requiring licenses for something like a party, ESPECIALLY when there is no discernable impact outside of the closed doors, reasonable.

I'll shut up know, cause I know I'm walking on eggshells, and I don't want this to degenerate.

You may not need a license now because you are considered an employee of your employer rather than a business yourself... or it could just be a difference in local requirements.

As far as the why should a house party be required to have a license if it affects no one.... if they are actually a house party and not charging an admission then they may not. But if that is not the case and they are charging a donation then that is an open door for someone to go after them. If no one knows they exist to go after them then they probably have nothing to worry about... but since most house parties are at houses in neighborhoods, eventually if they are being held often enough it may piss off a neighbor or two and then all they have to do is make a call or two and the door is open for the club to be shut down on the simple basis of not having proper licenses and permits. Had they taken the proper precautions it would have taken more to shut legally them down.

[TNT]

Originally Posted by JustAskJulie

... but since most house parties are at houses in neighborhoods, eventually if they are being held often enough it may piss off a neighbor or two

This has been a concern of mine at our favorite local house party. While he doesn't charge, he does live in an urban setting and a couple of parties have had so many attendees that parking was a big issue. And really, who wants a neighbor with 25-35 cars spilling everywhere? Worst case, we get a little more attention from the local flatfoots than we like, but who needs that?

Ted

[Hot Raleigh Cpl]

When we have thrown big gangbangs for L, we have occasionally allowed donations, a hat with a sign saying donations appreciated to help cover expenses. It has never been a requirement to get in or to play, just purely optional. We state explicitly that they're not paying for sex or for attending or for anything else.

Most guys, for some reason, don't contribute. While we've hosted many dozen gangbangs, only once did the contributions cover the cost of the rooms.

When we attend an event that allows donations to cover the expenses, we always contribute, so the hosts don't have the full burden themselves.

S and L, Hot Raleigh Cpl