08/24/2026
IMPORTANT ALCOHOL & EVENT SAFETY POLICY UPDATE
MARISSA MURROW ACT — EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026
Oklahoma’s Marissa Murrow Act (HB 2369) is now in effect, bringing additional requirements for alcohol service at event venues.
Because of these changes, ALL events moving forward must comply with the Marissa Murrow Act, applicable Oklahoma ABLE requirements, and our venue’s updated alcohol and security policies.
These policies are mandatory for events held at our venue.
WHAT THE MARISSA MURROW ACT REQUIRES
The Marissa Murrow Act was created following the tragic death of 19-year-old college student Marissa Murrow, who was killed in a head-on collision involving an intoxicated driver who had attended a wedding.
Under the Act:
• Alcoholic beverages served on the premises of an event venue must be served by an appropriately ABLE-licensed mixed beverage licensee, caterer licensee, or Event Bartender Licensee.
• Oklahoma established an Event Bartender License specifically addressing alcohol service at event venues.
• Event Bartender Licensees are required to successfully complete an in-person training program conducted by an entity approved by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission.
• Required training must be completed no later than 14 days following initial licensure.
• Proof of completion of the required training must be available for inspection by the ABLE Commission at the event venue.
• Failure to comply with these requirements may constitute a revocable offense.
CATERING & ALCOHOL LICENSING
The law also recognizes properly ABLE-licensed caterers as authorized professionals for alcohol service at event venues.
Any caterer providing alcohol-related services at our venue must possess the appropriate current licensing required by Oklahoma law and the ABLE Commission.
All alcohol-service vendors, including licensed caterers and bartenders, must be approved by the venue BEFORE the event takes place.
Clients may not independently bring in an alcohol-service provider without prior venue approval.
OUR ADDITIONAL VENUE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
In addition to Oklahoma law and ABLE requirements, the following are mandatory venue policies for all events involving alcohol:
• Bartenders/alcohol-service providers must be selected from our Preferred Vendor List.
• Security must be selected from our Preferred Vendor List.
• ALL bartenders, alcohol-service providers AND security personnel must be approved by the venue prior to the event.
• Outside bartenders, alcohol-service providers or security companies may not be used without prior written approval from the venue.
• Security is required whenever alcohol is being served.
• No shots or straight-liquor service.
• No glass bottles may be handed directly to guests.
• Liquor must be served as a mixed drink.
• No drink handoffs. Alcohol may only be provided directly by the authorized alcohol-service professional to the intended guest.
• No self-service alcohol.
• Guests, members of the wedding party, family members or other attendees may not independently serve alcohol to themselves or other guests.
• Alcohol service must remain under the control of the approved, appropriately licensed alcohol-service provider.
• Alcohol-service professionals are expected to follow all responsible-service requirements and may refuse service when appropriate.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR COUPLES
Moving forward, all brides/clients must use our Preferred Vendor List for alcohol service AND security.
Your selected providers must be submitted to and approved by our venue prior to your event, and all required licenses, training and qualifications must be current.
These requirements aren’t intended to make celebrating more difficult. They are designed to protect our couples, their families, guests, vendors, staff and everyone traveling home after an event.
All events moving forward must comply with the Marissa Murrow Act, applicable Oklahoma ABLE regulations, and all venue alcohol and security policies.
Our goal remains simple: provide an incredible place to celebrate while doing everything we can to ensure our guests and community remain safe.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as Oklahoma venues and vendors implement these important changes.
