MADISON, Wis. -- For the first time Madison police are cracking down on the number of kegs that can be served at each house during the Mifflin Street block party this weekend.

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Mifflin Street Party Keg Limit Roll Out The Barrels... But Not Too Many!

To those planning to throw a party on Saturday, police say limit it to four kegs or face a fine. Police said the restriction was necessary because the raucous history of the block parties. And for those who decide to ignore the warning, police could cite violators for operating a bar without a license. It could mean a fine of up to $1,000 per keg.

Local liquor stores said they were not worried about the restrictions. In fact, owners told News 3 the stores might profit.

Next to Halloween, the Mifflin Street block party is the biggest day for Riley's Wines of the World. Typically hundreds of beer barrels roll out the door. But this weekend, it will be much less.

"To us it does not make much of a difference," said Riley's Manager Adam Bent.

He says that is because students will find other ways to drink.

"We expect to sell more cases and cans of beer and a lot more liquor instead," said Bents.

The new rules have also changed marketing for the event. Instead of freebies for purchases of up to 25 beer barrels, beer makers and sellers are now targeting cases.

"There is a deal now, with four barrels, you get some sort of stuff, not a grill," said Bents. "But Budweiser and Miller both have changed the deals towards cases. If you buy 150 cases, you get a free grill."

At a neighborhood meeting, organized to talk with residents about the restriction, police said they realize beer will make it to Mifflin Street one way or another. The limit just makes it harder.

"We are hoping it is a good step in letting the community know it should be a neighborhood event, not a free-for-all drinking event," said Lt. Mary Schauf of the Madison Police Department.

And that is why the limit is just four half barrels per house.

"We have worked with the city attorney's office, who has agreed that four kegs is a reasonable number for a private party and anything beyond that is dispensing without a permit," said Schauf.

In addition to the four kegs limit, about a hundred officers will be out enforcing a glass ban in the area. Police will also be looking for underage drinking and dispensing without a license. Getting caught will be costly. Fines range from the hundreds to as much as a couple thousand dollars a house.

http://www.mifflinstreetblockparty.com