There is a local social group I know of that "hosts" get togethers at local venues, mostly bars. All it really is, is the members show up to the bar/restaurant at a certain time and on a certain date and socialize and have drinks, and the places they choose do not have any cover charges, nor do they secure any private space. Yet the group charges each member 10-20 dollars a person ahead of time to attend. There is nothing provided for this money other than the false sense that the member bought a "ticket" to go. But, these are public establishments where anyone can walk in at any time and order a beer. Is this legal for this group to do? it sounds like the venues they chose have no knowledge of the group doing this either.