While the museum’s mission is centered on children and families, it has had a lot of success with its after-hours events geared toward adults, during which its in-house restaurant partner, The Roman Candle, has had to jump through hoops to sell alcohol. The restaurant is applying for the license to be used in the space after-hours.

In the past year, the museum has held 71 catered events and is projecting to hold about 80 in 2017, said the museum’s president and CEO, Debbie Gilpin.

Since The Roman Candle doesn’t have a liquor license for the museum location, it can’t offer cash bars on-site for weddings, fundraisers and private parties. Most events need to be open bar, with the client buying all alcohol ahead of time and guests drinking for free the whole evening. There’s an exception for nonprofit organizations, which can qualify for a picnic license through the city.

A cash bar in the place of an open bar would deter excess drinking, museum officials emphasized.

“Think about, for instance, a business hosting a party here,” Gilpin said. “You can see why they wouldn’t want the cost and liability of providing an open bar.”