Membership and commitment
Let's Open Up Over Whiskey is a membership-based non-profit organization. Membership is open to individuals, whisky clubs, businesses, bars and restaurants who want to support and contribute to a more inclusive whisky culture.
Becoming a member is not about meeting a set standard or presenting ready-made solutions. It is a way to show support for the organization's purpose, values and long-term direction, and to participate in an ongoing conversation about how the whisky community can become more welcoming over time.
Who can become a member?
We welcome the following types of members:
- Private individuals
- Whiskey clubs
- Companies in the whisky industry
- Bars and restaurants
All members commit to supporting the organization's core values and to approaching issues of inclusion in a respectful and constructive manner.
What membership means
A membership in Let's Open Up Over Whiskey means that:
- support the organization's vision, purpose and values
- contribute to a broader and long-term effort to strengthen the culture within the whisky community
- accept that inclusion is a process, not a checklist to check off
Membership does not mean that:
- have decision-making authority over the organization's finances or strategic direction
- get certified, ranked or evaluated
- expected to have all the answers or solutions in place
Members are welcome to share ideas and suggestions about the organization's work. All decisions about priorities and use of funds are made by the board.
Membership criteria for whiskey clubs
Whisky clubs applying for membership are expected to:
- have bylaws or guiding documents that clearly express an inclusive stance towards current and future members
- be able to demonstrate that the club is actively discussing how participation can be broadened, for example in relation to gender, ethnicity, religion, age or professional background
The focus is on reflection and will, not perfection. Clubs are not expected to have completed this work in full, but to take it seriously. Each whisky club appoints a representative, who should be a member of the club's board, to ensure good transparency in the club's operations and decision-making.
Membership categories and fees
The membership fee is paid annually and varies depending on the membership category:
Private individuals
- Membership fee: 200 SEK (Any additional contributions are voluntary)
- Swish: 123 113 64 23
Whiskey clubs
- 1–9 members: 300 SEK
- 10–49 members: SEK 550
- 50–99 members: 850 SEK
- 100+ members: 1,000 SEK
Business
- Annual membership fee: SEK 50,000
- Bars & Restaurants: 10,000 SEK
Membership fees are used to finance the organization's operations, visibility, administration and long-term development.
Representation and governance
Member organizations may appoint a representative. Representatives may be nominated for a seat on the board at a future board meeting, following nomination and majority decision by the current board. Let's Open Up Over Whiskey is a non-profit organization. Board members do not receive any compensation for their work. In cases where the board assignment means that one needs to forego other paid assignments, reasonable compensation can be decided by the board.
Why become a member?
Membership is a way to:
- take a stand for a more inclusive whisky culture
- support dialogue, education and visibility around inclusion
- be part of a context that values openness, respect and shared responsibility
For clubs and organizations, membership also signals a willingness to contribute to a more welcoming and sustainable whisky community – something that benefits both the industry and its enthusiasts.
To get involved
There are many ways to get involved beyond formal membership: by participating in conversations, attending events, sharing experiences, or contributing perspectives from your own business or context. Inclusion grows through participation, and all contributions are welcome.