Wis. Stat. § 125.51 — WI Code / Chapter 125 / Section 125.51
Retail licenses and permits.
Status: in_force

(1) Municipal authority to issue.

(a) Subject to sub. (2) (e) 2. , every municipal governing body may grant and issue “Class A” and “Class B” licenses for retail sales of intoxicating liquor, and “Class C” licenses for retail sales of wine, from premises within the municipality to persons entitled to a license under this chapter as the issuing municipal governing body deems proper and may authorize an official or body of the municipality to issue temporary “Class B” licenses under sub. (10) .

(b) No member of the municipal governing body may hold a permit under s. 125.54 or, with respect to the issuance or denial of licenses under this section, do any act in violation of s. 19.59 (1) .

(c)

1. Except as provided in subd. 2. , the municipal governing body, or the duly authorized committee of a city council, shall meet not later than May 15 annually, and be in session from day to day thereafter so long as may be necessary, for the purpose of acting upon license applications filed with it on or before April 15. Subject to sub. (2) (e) 2. , the governing body or committee shall grant, issue, or deny each application not later than June 15 for the ensuing license year. Licenses may be granted for issuance at a later date when the applicant has complied with all requirements for the issuance of the license. The governing body or committee may accept and act upon any application filed at any other time. The governing body or committee may not deny an application for renewal of an existing license unless a statement of the reason for the denial is included in its clerk’s minutes.

2. The governing body of a 1st class city shall establish and publish notice of the dates on which it, or its duly authorized committee, will meet and act on license applications.

(2) Retail “Class A” license.

(a) A “Class A” license authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the premises where sold and in original packages and containers.

(am) In addition to the authorization under par. (a) , a “Class A” license authorizes the licensee to provide, free of charge, to customers and visitors who have attained the legal drinking age, taste samples of intoxicating liquor that are not in original packages or containers for consumption on the “Class A” premises. Taste samples may be provided under this paragraph only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and may not exceed the quantities specified in s. 125.69 (9) (b) . Any representative of a manufacturer, rectifier, winery, or out-of-state shipper issued a permit under s. 125.52 , 125.53 , or 125.58 may assist the “Class A” licensee in dispensing or serving the taste samples. No “Class A” licensee may provide as taste samples under this paragraph intoxicating liquor that the “Class A” licensee did not purchase from a wholesaler.

(b) Except as provided under s. 125.69 , “Class A” licenses may be issued to any person qualified under s. 125.04 (5) , except a person acting as an agent for or in the employ of another.

(c) “Class A” licenses shall particularly describe the premises for which issued and are not transferable, except as provided in s. 125.04 (12) .

(d)

1. The annual fee for a “Class A” license shall be determined by the municipal governing body and shall be the same for all “Class A” licenses, except that the minimum fee is $50 and the maximum fee is $500.

2. Notwithstanding subd. 1. , there is no annual fee or initial issuance fee for a “Class A” license issued under par. (e) 2.

(e)

1. In this paragraph, “cider” means any alcohol beverage that is obtained from the fermentation of the juice of apples or pears and that contains not less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume and not more than 7.0 percent alcohol by volume. “Cider” includes flavored, sparkling, and carbonated cider.

2. Notwithstanding s. 125.68 (3) , upon application, a municipal governing body shall grant and issue a “Class A” license to the applicant if all of the following apply:

a. The application is made for a “Class A” license containing the condition that retail sales of intoxicating liquor are limited to cider.

b. The applicant holds a Class “A” license issued under s. 125.25 for the same premises for which the “Class A” license application is made.

3. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (am) and s. 125.69 (9) , a person issued a “Class A” license under subd. 2. may not make retail sales, or provide taste samples, of any intoxicating liquor other than cider, and may not allow a winery, manufacturer, or rectifier to provide taste samples of any intoxicating liquor other than cider, on the “Class A” premises.

(3) Retail “Class B” license.

(a) A “Class B” license authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor by the glass and not in the original package or container for consumption on the premises where sold or for consumption off the premises if the licensee seals the container of intoxicating liquor with a tamper-evident seal before the intoxicating liquor is removed from the premises. In addition, wine may be sold in the original package or container in any quantity to be consumed off the premises where sold. This paragraph does not apply in municipalities in which the governing body elects to come under par. (b) .

(b) In all municipalities electing by ordinance to come under this paragraph, a retail “Class B” license authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor to be consumed by the glass on the premises where sold or off the premises if the licensee seals the container of intoxicating liquor with a tamper-evident seal before the intoxicating liquor is removed from the premises. The “Class B” license also authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor in the original package or container, in any quantity, to be consumed off the premises where sold.

(bg)

1. In this paragraph, “bulk container” means a container exceeding 1.75 liters in volume.

2. This paragraph applies only with respect to a “Class B” licensee exercising its authority under par. (a) or (b) to make retail sales of intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises where sold or for consumption off the premises if the licensee seals the container of intoxicating liquor with a tamper-evident seal before the intoxicating liquor is removed from the premises.

3. Notwithstanding s. 125.03 (2) and any rule promulgated thereunder, a “Class B” licensee may, on the licensed premises, prepare, store, and dispense mixed drinks containing intoxicating liquor, in advance of sale as described in subd. 2. , if all of the following apply:

a. The mixed drink is provided to the consumer in a glass or other container not exceeding 72 ounces in volume.

b. The mixed drink has not been stored in a container for more than 48 hours prior to its sale to a customer.

c. If the mixed drink is stored in or dispensed from a bulk container, the bulk container does not exceed 5 gallons in volume and is labeled in compliance with the requirements established under subd. 4.

d. The licensee has not stored the mixed drink in or dispensed the mixed drink from a wine bottle and has ensured compliance with ss. 125.68 (8) (a) 2. and 3. and 125.69 (6) , as well as compliance with any other applicable state or federal food safety regulation and any federal alcohol regulation.

4. The division shall prescribe the form of the label to be used by “Class B” licensees under subd. 3. c. , but the form shall require the licensee to disclose on the label all of the following information:

a. That the container holds a batch of premixed drinks and the date and time the batch was prepared.

b. Following the words “expiration date,” the date and time that is 48 hours after the date and time the batch was prepared.

c. The words “contains alcohol.”

d. The name of the person who prepared the batch of premixed drinks in the container.

e. The ingredients of the batch of premixed drinks, unless the label contains a recipe title for the batch and the recipe, with a complete ingredient list, is maintained on the “Class B” premises and is available for inspection.

5. Section 125.68 (9) (b) does not apply with respect to a container used by a “Class B” licensee solely to prepare, store, or dispense mixed drinks in compliance with this paragraph.

(bm) Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b) and s. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) , a “Class B” license authorizes a person operating a hotel to furnish a registered guest who has attained the legal drinking age with a selection of intoxicating liquor in the guest’s room which is not part of the “Class B” premises. Intoxicating liquor furnished under this paragraph shall be furnished in original packages or containers and stored in a cabinet, refrigerator or other secure storage place. The cabinet, refrigerator or other secure storage place must be capable of being locked. The cabinet, refrigerator or other secure storage place shall be locked, or the intoxicating liquor shall be removed from the room, when the room is not occupied and when intoxicating liquor is not being furnished under this paragraph. A key for the lock shall be supplied to a guest who has attained the legal drinking age upon request at registration. The hotel shall prominently display a price list of the intoxicating liquor in the hotel room. Intoxicating liquor may be furnished at the time the guest occupies the room, but for purposes of this chapter, the sale of intoxicating liquor furnished under this paragraph is considered to occur at the time and place that the guest pays for the intoxicating liquor. Notwithstanding s. 125.68 (4) (c) , the guest may pay for the intoxicating liquor at any time if he or she pays in conjunction with checking out of the hotel. An individual who stocks or accepts payment for alcohol beverages under this paragraph shall be the licensee, the agent named in the license if the licensee is a corporation or limited liability company, or the holder of a manager’s or operator’s license or operator’s permit, or be supervised by one of those individuals.

(bs)

1. In this paragraph:

a. “Coliseum” means a multipurpose facility designed principally for sports events, with a capacity of 18,000 or more persons.

b. “Concessionaire” means a person designated by the owner or operator of a coliseum to operate premises in the coliseum and to provide intoxicating liquor to holders of coliseum suites.

2. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b) and s. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) , a “Class B” license authorizes a person operating a coliseum to furnish the holder of a coliseum suite who has attained the legal drinking age with a selection of intoxicating liquor in the coliseum suite that is not part of the “Class B” premises. Intoxicating liquor furnished under this subdivision shall be furnished in original packages or containers and stored in a cabinet, refrigerator or other secure storage place. The cabinet, refrigerator or other secure storage place or the coliseum suite must be capable of being locked. The cabinet, refrigerator or other secure storage place or the coliseum suite shall be locked, or the intoxicating liquor shall be removed from the coliseum suite, when the coliseum suite is not occupied and when intoxicating liquor is not being furnished under this subdivision. Intoxicating liquor may be furnished at the time the holder of the coliseum suite occupies the coliseum suite, but for purposes of this chapter, the sale of intoxicating liquor furnished under this subdivision is considered to occur at the time and place that the holder pays for the intoxicating liquor. Notwithstanding s. 125.68 (4) (c) , the holder of a coliseum suite may pay for the intoxicating liquor at any time if he or she pays in accordance with an agreement with the person operating the coliseum or with the concessionaire. An individual who stocks or accepts payment for alcohol beverages under this subdivision shall be the licensee, the agent named in the license if the licensee is a corporation or limited liability company, or the holder of a manager’s or operator’s license or operator’s permit, or be supervised by one of those individuals.

(bu) Notwithstanding ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) and 125.09 (1) , in addition to the authorization specified in sub. (1) (a) and in sub. (3) (a) or (b) , a “Class B” license issued under sub. (1) to a caterer also authorizes the caterer to provide intoxicating liquor, including its retail sale, at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay during special events held at this museum. Notwithstanding subs. (1) (a) and (3) (a) and (b) , a caterer may provide intoxicating liquor under this paragraph at any location at the National Railroad Museum even though the National Railroad Museum is not part of the caterer’s licensed premises, as described under par. (d) in the caterer’s “Class B” license, and even if the National Railroad Museum is not located within the municipality that issued the caterer’s “Class B” license. A caterer that provides intoxicating liquor under this paragraph is subject to s. 125.68 (2) as if the intoxicating liquor were provided on the caterer’s “Class B” licensed premises. This paragraph does not authorize the National Railroad Museum to sell intoxicating liquor at retail or to procure or stock intoxicating liquor for purposes of retail sale. This paragraph does not apply if, at any time, the National Railroad Museum holds a “Class B” license.

(bv)

1. Subject to subds. 2. and 3. , and notwithstanding ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) , 125.09 (1) , and 125.32 (6) (a) , in addition to the authorization specified in par. (a) or (b) and in sub. (1) (a) , a “Class B” license issued under sub. (1) to a caterer also authorizes the caterer to provide intoxicating liquor, including its retail sale, on racetrack grounds, as defined in s. 125.27 (5) (a) . Subject to subds. 2. and 3. , and notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b) and sub. (1) (a) and s. 125.32 (6) (a) , a caterer may provide intoxicating liquor under this subdivision at any location on racetrack grounds even though the racetrack grounds are not part of the caterer’s licensed premises, as described under par. (d) in the caterer’s “Class B” license, and even if the racetrack grounds are not located within the municipality that issued the caterer’s “Class B” license. A caterer that provides intoxicating liquor under this subdivision is subject to s. 125.68 (2) and (4) as if the intoxicating liquor were provided on the caterer’s “Class B” licensed premises.

2. A caterer may not provide intoxicating liquor under subd. 1. at any designated camping area on racetrack grounds while the area is in use for camping.

3. A caterer may not provide intoxicating liquor under subd. 1. on any premises covered by a permit issued under sub. (5) (f) or s. 125.27 (5) .

(bw) Notwithstanding ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) and 125.09 (1) , in addition to the authorization specified in par. (a) or (b) and in sub. (1) (a) , a “Class B” license issued under sub. (1) to a caterer also authorizes the caterer to provide intoxicating liquor, including its retail sale, at the Heritage Hill state park during special events held at this park. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b) and sub. (1) (a) , a caterer may provide intoxicating liquor under this paragraph at any location at the Heritage Hill state park even though the Heritage Hill state park is not part of the caterer’s licensed premises, as described under par. (d) in the caterer’s “Class B” license, and even if the Heritage Hill state park is not located within the municipality that issued the caterer’s “Class B” license. A caterer that provides intoxicating liquor under this paragraph is subject to s. 125.68 (2) as if the intoxicating liquor were provided on the caterer’s “Class B” licensed premises. This paragraph does not authorize the Heritage Hill state park to sell intoxicating liquor at retail or to procure or stock intoxicating liquor for purposes of retail sale. This paragraph does not apply if, at any time, the Heritage Hill state park holds a “Class B” license.

(bx) Notwithstanding ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) and 125.09 (1) , in addition to the authorization specified in par. (a) or (b) and in sub. (1) (a) , a “Class B” license issued under sub. (1) also authorizes the licensee to provide intoxicating liquor, including its retail sale, at specific locations within the Ozaukee County fairgrounds for consumption at these locations during special events held at the fairgrounds, if the Ozaukee County board adopts a resolution approving the licensee and if the licensee’s “Class B” licensed premises are located in Ozaukee County. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b) and sub. (1) (a) , a licensee may provide intoxicating liquor under this paragraph at the Ozaukee County fairgrounds even though the Ozaukee County fairgrounds are not part of the licensee’s licensed premises, as described under par. (d) in the licensee’s “Class B” license, and even if the Ozaukee County fairgrounds are not located within the municipality that issued the licensee’s “Class B” license. A licensee that provides intoxicating liquor under this paragraph is subject to s. 125.68 (2) as if the intoxicating liquor were provided on the licensee’s “Class B” licensed premises. This paragraph does not authorize Ozaukee County or any person operating or managing the Ozaukee County fairgrounds to sell intoxicating liquor at retail or to procure or stock intoxicating liquor for purposes of retail sale.

(c) Except as provided under s. 125.69 , a “Class B” license may be issued to any person qualified under s. 125.04 (5) , except a person acting as an agent for or in the employ of another.

(d) “Class B” licenses shall particularly describe the premises for which issued and are not transferable, except as provided in s. 125.04 (12) .

(dm) A municipality may issue a “Class B” license authorizing retail sales of intoxicating liquor on a railroad car while the railroad car is standing in a specified location in the municipality.

(e)

1. Except as provided in subds. 2. to 4. and 6. , the annual fee for a “Class B” license shall be established by the municipal governing body and shall be the same for all “Class B” licenses, except that the minimum fee shall be $50 and the maximum fee shall be $500. The minimum fee does not apply to licenses issued to bona fide clubs and lodges situated and incorporated in the state for at least 6 years.

2. Each municipal governing body shall establish the fee, in an amount not less than $10,000, for an initial issuance of a reserve “Class B” license, as defined in sub. (4) (a) 4. , and, if the municipality contains a capital improvement area enumerated under sub. (4) (x) 2. , for an initial issuance of a “Class B” license under sub. (4) (x) 3. and 4. , except that the fee for an initial issuance of a reserve “Class B” license to a bona fide club or lodge situated and incorporated in the state for at least 6 years is the fee established under subd. 1. for such a club or lodge. The fee under this subdivision is in addition to any other fee required under this chapter. The annual fee for renewal of a reserve “Class B” license, as defined in sub. (4) (a) 1. , and a “Class B” license issued under sub. (4) (x) 3. or 4. is the fee established under subd. 1. A municipality may not rebate or refund to a “Class B” licensee or a person affiliated with the “Class B” licensee or with the license application process, including through any grant or tax credit program, the fee paid by the licensee under this subdivision for initial issuance of a reserve “Class B” license.

3. Each municipal governing body shall establish the annual fee for a “Class B” license issued under sub. (4) (v) , except that neither the fee for an initial issuance of, nor the annual fee for, a “Class B” license issued under sub. (4) (v) 4. may exceed any fee established under subd. 1. The initial fee may be different from the annual fee to renew the license.

4. Each municipal governing body that transfers a license under sub. (4) (e) shall establish the fee, in an amount not less than $10,000, for issuance of a reserve “Class B” license after it has been transferred under sub. (4) (e) . A municipality may not rebate or refund to a “Class B” licensee or a person affiliated with the “Class B” licensee or with the license application process, including through any grant or tax credit program, the fee paid under this subdivision for issuance of the license after transfer. The annual fee for renewal of a reserve “Class B” license after it has been transferred and reissued under sub. (4) (e) is the fee established under subd. 1.