Corkage

Corkage refers to the fees the convention facilities will charge for the privilege to bring in outside food and alcohol. These fees offset the loss of income to the hotel that standard catering generates.

Obviously the expense of hotel catering is prohibitive for parties that are run and paid for by individuals or small groups. For this reason most conventions negotiate a corkage waiver with the hotel. Here the hotel agrees to allow self-catered parties. These parties are often required to be in specific areas so as not to disturb other guests.

Naturally, corkage policies vary with every establishment and with local laws as well.