Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 125 - Alcohol beverages.
125.51 - Retail licenses and permits.

125.51 Retail licenses and permits.
(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). No “Class B" license may be issued to a winery under sub. (3) (am) unless the winery has been issued a permit under s. 125.53 and the winery is capable of producing at least 5,000 gallons of wine per year in no more than 2 locations.
(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) and s. 125.06 (13), 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 other than wine that are not in original packages or containers and that do not exceed 0.5 fluid ounces each, for consumption on the “Class A" premises. No “Class A" licensee may provide more than one such taste sample per day to any one person. Taste samples may be provided under this paragraph only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. 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 other than wine 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 par. (a) and s. 125.06 (13), 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. Paragraph (am) does not apply to a person issued a “Class A" license under subd. 2.
(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) or to a winery that has been issued a “Class B" license. Paragraph (am) applies to all wineries that have been issued a “Class B" license.
(am) A “Class B" license issued to a winery authorizes the sale of wine to be consumed by the glass or in opened containers on the premises where sold or off the premises if the licensee seals the container of wine with a tamper-evident seal before the wine is removed from the premises. The “Class B” license also authorizes the sale of wine in the original package or container to be consumed off the premises where sold, but does not authorize the sale of fermented malt beverages or any intoxicating liquor other than wine.
(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. This paragraph does not apply to a winery that has been issued a “Class B" license. Paragraph (am) applies to all wineries that have been issued a “Class B" license.
(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 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 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.
5. Notwithstanding subd. 2., a municipal governing body may not establish an initial issuance fee for a “Class B" license issued under sub. (4) (w) 5. that exceeds the annual fee established for the license under subd. 1.
6. Notwithstanding subd. 2., each municipal governing body that has designated a premier economic development district under sub. (4) (u) 2. shall establish the fee, in an amount not less than $30,000, for initial issuance of a reserve “Class B" license under sub. (4) (u) 3. 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 under sub. (4) (u) 3. The annual fee for renewal of a reserve “Class B" license issued under sub. (4) (u) 3. is the fee established under subd. 1.
(f) A “Class B" license may be issued only to a holder of a retail Class “B" license to sell fermented malt beverages unless the “Class B" license is the kind of “Class B" license specified under par. (am) or is a temporary “Class B" license under sub. (10).
(3m) Retail “Class C" license.
(a) In this subsection “barroom" means a room that is primarily used for the sale or consumption of alcohol beverages.
(b) A “Class C" license authorizes the retail sale of wine by the glass or in an opened original container for consumption on the premises where sold.
(c) A “Class C" license may be issued to a person qualified under s. 125.04 (5) for a restaurant in which the sale of alcohol beverages accounts for less than 50 percent of gross receipts and which does not have a barroom or for a restaurant in which the sale of alcohol beverages accounts for less than 50 percent of gross receipts and which has a barroom in which wine is the only intoxicating liquor sold. A “Class C" license may not be issued to a foreign corporation, a foreign limited liability company or a person acting as agent for or in the employ of another.
(d) A “Class C" license shall particularly describe the premises for which it is issued.
(e) The annual fee for a “Class C" license shall be determined by the municipal governing body issuing the license. The fee shall not exceed $100 and shall be the same for all “Class C" licenses.
(3r) Sales of wine by the bottle in restaurants.
(a) Notwithstanding subs. (3) (a) and (b) and (3m) (b), a “Class B" license or “Class C" license authorizes the retail sale of wine in an opened original bottle, in a quantity not to exceed one bottle, for consumption both on and off the premises where sold if all of the following apply:
1. The licensed premises is a restaurant also operated under a “Class B" or “Class C" license and the purchaser of the wine orders food to be consumed on the licensed premises.
2. The licensee provides a dated receipt that identifies the purchase of the food and the bottle of wine.
3. Prior to the opened, partially consumed bottle of wine being taken off the licensed premises, the licensee securely reinserts the cork into the bottle to the point where the top of the cork is even with the top of the bottle and the cork is reinserted at a time other than during the time period specified in s. 125.68 (4) (c) 3.
(b) This subsection does not apply to a “Class B" license issued to a winery under sub. (3) (am). Nothing in this subsection restricts a licensee's authorization for retail sales of wine under subs. (3) (a) and (b) and (3m) (b).
(4) Quotas on “Class B" licenses.
(a) In this subsection:
1. “License" means a retail “Class B" license issued under sub. (3) but does not include a “Class B" license issued to wineries under sub. (3) (am).
2. “Population" means the number of inhabitants in the previous year determined by the department of administration under s. 16.96 (2) for purposes of revenue sharing distribution.
3. “Quota" means the number of licenses which a municipality may grant or issue.
4. “Reserve “Class B" license" means a license that is not granted or issued by a municipality on December 1, 1997, and that is counted under par. (br).
(am) No municipality may issue a license that would cause the municipality to exceed its quota.
(b) Except as provided in pars. (c) and (d), the quota of each municipality is the sum of the following:
1g. The number of licenses granted or issued in good faith by the municipality and in force on December 1, 1997.
1m. The number of the municipality's reserve “Class B" licenses determined under par. (bm) 3.
(bm) The clerk of each municipality shall record the municipality's population, as defined in par. (a) 2., and the number of licenses:
1. Authorized to be issued by the municipality on December 1, 1997, under s. 125.51 (4), 1995 stats.;
2. Described in par. (b) 1g.; and
3. That are reserve “ Class B" licenses.
(br)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., the number of reserve “Class B" licenses authorized to be issued by a municipality shall be determined as follows:
a. Subtract 3 from the number recorded under par. (bm) 1.
b. Subtract the number recorded under par. (bm) 2. from the result under subd. 1. a.
c. Divide the result under subd. 1. b. by 2, except that if the result is not a whole number round the quotient down to the nearest whole number.
d. Add 3 to the result under subd. 1. c.
e. Add one license per each increase of 500 population to the population recorded under par. (bm).
f. Add one license if the municipality had issued a license under s. 125.51 (4) (br) 1. e., 1999 stats., based on a fraction of 500 population, but a municipality's quota is only increased under this subd. 1. f. as long as the total number of licenses issued by the municipality equals the maximum number of licenses authorized, including under this subd. 1. f.
g. Add one license for each license transferred to the municipality under par. (e).
h. Subtract one license for each license transferred from the municipality under par. (e).
2. Notwithstanding subd. 1., if the difference between the number of licenses determined under par. (b) 1g. and under par. (bm) 1. is 3 or fewer, the number of reserve “Class B" licenses authorized to be issued by that municipality is the difference between the number of licenses determined under par. (b) 1g. and under par. (bm) 1., plus one per each increase of 500 population to the population recorded under par. (bm), plus one for each license transferred to the municipality under par. (e), minus one for each license transferred from the municipality under par. (e), plus one if the municipality had issued a license under s. 125.51 (4) (br) 2., 1999 stats., based on a fraction of 500 population but only as long as the total number of licenses issued by the municipality equals the maximum number of licenses authorized.
(c) If territory containing premises covered by a license or reserve “Class B" license is annexed to a municipality and if the municipality's quota would not otherwise allow a license or reserve “Class B" license for the premises, the quota is increased to include the license or reserve “Class B" license of each premises in the annexed territory.
(d) Detachment of territory decreases the quota of the remainder of the municipality by the number of licenses or reserve “Class B" licenses issued for premises in the detached territory, except that detachment does not decrease the quota of the remainder to less than one license per 500 persons or less than one license.
(e)
1. A municipality may make a request to another municipality that is contiguous with, or within 2 miles of, the requesting municipality that the other municipality transfer a reserve “Class B" license to the requesting municipality. If the request is granted, the reserve “Class B" license shall be transferred.
2. A municipality may transfer or receive more than one reserve “Class B" license under this paragraph as long as each transfer meets the requirements of this paragraph, but a municipality may not transfer more than 3 reserve “Class B" licenses under this paragraph.
3. After transfer of a reserve “Class B" license under this paragraph, the municipality receiving the reserve “Class B" license may issue and renew the reserve “Class B" license in the same manner as other reserve “Class B" licenses that have not been so transferred, except that the fee under sub. (3) (e) 4., not sub. (3) (e) 2., applies upon issuance of the reserve “Class B" license by the receiving municipality after the transfer. Upon receipt of the issuance fee from the licensee, the receiving municipality shall remit this issuance fee to the municipality that transferred the license.
4. Notwithstanding subds. 1. to 3., if a municipality has not issued any licenses, the municipality may not transfer any licenses under this paragraph.
(u)
1. In this paragraph:
a. “Economic development project" means a project or projects within a premier economic development district that, alone or together, have an estimated comprehensive new construction assessed valuation increase of at least $20,000,000, as established and certified by an independent 3rd-party appraiser or market research firm that provides a written report regarding the estimated value to be created by the project or projects.
b. “Premier economic development district" means a geographic area designated under subd. 2.
2. A municipality may, by ordinance enacted by at least a two-thirds vote of the municipality's governing body, designate a geographic area within the municipality as a premier economic development district if all of the following apply:
a. The geographic area does not exceed 40 acres and the boundaries of the geographic area are precisely identified in the ordinance.
b. No part of the geographic area is physically separated from the rest of the geographic area so that, except for public streets, similar community infrastructure, and rivers and other waterways, each portion of the geographic area is contiguous with some other portion of the geographic area.
c. The geographic area does not include any land that is zoned exclusively for industrial use or zoned exclusively for single-family or 2-family residences.
3. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), a municipality that has designated a premier economic development district may issue up to 2 “Class B" licenses in connection with an economic development project within the premier economic development district, in addition to the number of licenses determined for the municipality's quota under pars. (b) to (d) and in addition to any license under par. (v) or (w).
4. A “Class B" license issued under subd. 3. may not be transferred under s. 125.04 (12) (b) 4. If a “Class B" license issued under subd. 3. is surrendered to the issuing municipality, revoked, or not renewed, the municipality may reissue the license only for premises located within the premier economic development district.
5. A municipality may not designate more than one premier economic development district under this paragraph.
6. Not more than 2 “Class B" licenses may be issued under this paragraph for premises within a premier economic development district, regardless of the number of economic development projects within the premier economic development district.
(v) Notwithstanding par. (am), if a municipality has granted or issued a number of licenses equal to or exceeding its quota, the municipal governing body may issue a license for any of the following:
1. A full-service restaurant that has an interior, permanent seating capacity of 300 or more persons.
2. A hotel that has 50 or more rooms of sleeping accommodations and that has either an attached restaurant with a seating capacity of 150 or more persons or a banquet room in which banquets attended by 400 or more persons may be held.
3. An opera house or theater for the performing arts operated by a nonprofit organization, as defined in s. 134.695 (1) (am). Notwithstanding sub. (3) (a) and (b), a “Class B" license issued under this subdivision authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor only for consumption on the premises where sold and only in connection with ticketed performances.
4. A full-service restaurant that has a seating capacity of 75 to 100 persons on November 26, 2009; is located in a commercial building; prepares, serves, and sells food to the public; has a separate dining area with permanent fixtures where table service is provided a minimum of 4 nights per week for a minimum of 6 months per year; generates more than 50 percent of total annual sales revenue from food sales; and is located on a golf course in a municipality, in Bayfield County, having a population of at least 400 but not more than 500. For purposes of this subdivision, “golf course" does not include a miniature golf course. No “Class B" license may be issued under this subdivision after March 1, 2010. If a “Class B" license issued under this subdivision is surrendered to the issuing municipality, not renewed, or revoked, the municipality may not reissue the license.
(w)
1. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), the village board of any village in the northern geographical half of Ozaukee County having a population of more than 4,000 may issue, to any applicant designated by the village board, one “Class B" license in addition to the number of licenses determined for the village's quota under pars. (b) to (d). No “Class B" license may be issued under this subdivision after August 1, 2008. If a “Class B" license issued under this subdivision is surrendered to the issuing village, not renewed, or revoked, the village may not reissue the license, but a “Class B" license issued under this subdivision may be transferred in the same manner as other licenses as provided under s. 125.04 (12) (b) 4.
2. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), a city that is immediately adjacent to the southern border of the city of Milwaukee and that has an eastern boundary of Lake Michigan may issue 3 “Class B" licenses in addition to the number of licenses determined for the city's quota under pars. (b) to (d).
3. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), a 4th class city located in Dane County having a population as shown in the 2000 federal decennial census of at least 8,000 but not more than 9,000 may issue one “Class B" license in addition to the number of licenses determined for the city's quota under pars. (b) to (d).
4. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), a 3rd class city located in Dane County having a population as shown in the 2000 federal decennial census of at least 15,000 but not more than 16,000 may issue 2 “Class B" licenses in addition to the number of licenses determined for the city's quota under pars. (b) to (d).
5. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), the town of Wyoming in Iowa County may issue one “Class B" license in addition to the number of licenses determined for the town's quota under pars. (b) to (d). No “Class B" license may be issued under this subdivision after February 1, 2016. If the “Class B" license issued under this subdivision is surrendered to the issuing town, not renewed, or revoked, the town may not reissue the license.
(x)
1. In this paragraph:
a. “Area base value" means the aggregate assessed value of all taxable property located within the geographic bounds of a capital improvement area on January 1 of the year that is 5 years prior to the year in which such capital improvement area is enumerated under subd. 2.
b. “Capital improvement area" means a geographic area that is enumerated under subd. 2. as having an improvement increment exceeding $50,000,000 in the year in which the area is enumerated and as being located within a municipality with insufficient reserve “Class B" licenses to issue a “Class B" license for each business or proposed business that would reasonably require one.
c. “Good faith," with respect to an applicant's attempt to purchase a “Class B" licensed business, includes an applicant making an offer to purchase the business for an amount exceeding $25,000 in total value, without additional significant conditions placed on the purchase by either party, after having given notice to all current “Class B" license holders within the municipality where the business is located, by U.S. mail addressed to either the licensee's last-known address or to the licensed premises, of the applicant's interest in purchasing a licensed business, except that an offer in an amount of $25,000 or less may also be considered to be in a good faith for purposes of this subd. 1. c. depending on the fair market value of the business, the availability of other licensed businesses for purchase, and any conditions attached to the sale.
d. “Improvement increment" means the aggregate assessed value of all taxable property in a capital improvement area as of January 1 of any year minus the area base value.
e. “Qualified applicant" means an applicant that complies with all requirements under s. 125.04 (5) and (6) and any applicable ordinance, that certifies by affidavit that the applicant has made a good faith attempt to purchase the business of a person holding a “Class B" license within the municipality and have that license transferred to the applicant under s. 125.04 (12) (b) 4., and for whom the issuing municipality has determined that these requirements have been met.
2. The legislature hereby enumerates, as a capital improvement area, the geographic area composed of all land within the Tax Incremental District Number 3 within the city of Oconomowoc in Waukesha County that lies south of Valley Road and east of STH 67 or that lies south of I 94 and west of STH 67.
3. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), upon application by a qualified applicant, the governing body of any municipality containing a capital improvement area enumerated under subd. 2. shall issue to the qualified applicant one “Class B" license in addition to the number of licenses determined for the municipality's quota under pars. (b) to (d) and in addition to any license under par. (v).
4. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and s. 125.185 (5), after a qualified applicant has filed an application under subd. 3. and upon application by an initial qualified applicant under this subdivision, the governing body of any municipality containing a capital improvement area enumerated under subd. 2. shall determine the improvement increment within the capital improvement area for the calendar year in which the application under this subdivision is filed. If the improvement increment is at least $10,000,000 above $50,000,000, the governing body of the municipality shall issue to the initial qualified applicant a “Class B" license. For each $10,000,000 of improvement increment above $50,000,000, the governing body of the municipality is authorized to issue under this subdivision one “Class B" license and, upon each application by a qualified applicant subsequent to that of the initial qualified applicant, the governing body of the municipality shall issue a “Class B" license to the qualified applicant until all licenses authorized under this subdivision have been issued. If the governing body of any municipality receives an application by a qualified applicant in a calendar year subsequent to the calendar year in which it received the application of the initial qualified applicant, the governing body of the municipality shall redetermine the improvement increment for that year for the purpose of determining the number of “Class B" licenses authorized under this subdivision. The “Class B" licenses that a municipality is authorized to issue under this subdivision are in addition to the number of licenses determined for the municipality's quota under pars. (b) to (d), any license under par. (v), and the license under subd. 3.
5. Notwithstanding subds. 3. and 4., not more than 8 “Class B" licenses may be issued under this paragraph for premises within the same capital improvement area.
6. Notwithstanding subd. 7., any “Class B" license issued under this paragraph may be transferred as provided under s. 125.04 (12) (b) 4. Notwithstanding subds. 5. and 7., if a “Class B" license issued under this paragraph is surrendered to the issuing municipality, revoked, or not renewed, the municipality may reissue the license to a qualified applicant for a premises located within the same capital improvement area for which the license was originally issued.
7. No “Class B" license may be issued under this paragraph after July 1, 2017.
(5) Retail “Class B" permits.
(a) Sports clubs.
1. The department shall issue “Class B" permits to clubs that are operated solely for the playing of golf or tennis and are commonly known as country clubs and to clubs which are operated solely for curling, ski jumping, or yachting. A “Class B" permit may be issued only to a club that holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50), that is not open to the general public, and that is located in a municipality that does not issue “Class B" licenses or to a club located in a municipality that issues “Class B" licenses, if the club holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50), is not open to the general public, was not issued a license under s. 176.05 (4a), 1979 stats., and does not currently hold a “Class B" license. The permits may be issued by the department without regard to any quota under sub. (4). The holder of a “Class B" permit may sell intoxicating liquor for consumption by the glass and not in the original package or container on the premises covered by the permit.
2. Except as provided in this paragraph, all sections of this chapter applying to retail “Class B" licenses apply to “Class B" permits issued under this paragraph.
3. “Class B" permits may be issued only to a club which has occupied the premises upon which it is located for a period of at least 6 months prior to the date of application.
4. The department may annually issue a “Class B" permit to any club that holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50), is organized to engage in sports similar to curling, golf, tennis or yachting and that held a license from July 1, 1950, to June 30, 1951, as long as it is continuously operated under substantially the same circumstances under which it operated during the year beginning July 1, 1950, if the club is located in a municipality that does not issue “Class B" licenses.
(b) Public facilities and airports.
1. In this paragraph:
a. “Arena" means a public building with a capacity of 4,000 or more persons used principally for the conduct of sports events.
b. “Coliseum" means a public multipurpose facility designed for activities of the public, which may include but are not limited to sports events, trade shows, conventions, seminars, concerts, banquets and fairs.
c. “Concessionaire" means a person designated by resolution of the governing body of a county or municipality owning an airport or public facility to operate premises in the airport or public facility.
d. “Public facility" means an arena, coliseum, related exposition facilities or center for the performing or visual arts.
e. “Related exposition facility" means buildings constructed on the same grounds as a coliseum and used for the same or ancillary functions.
2. The department shall issue a “Class B" permit to a concessionaire that holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50) and that conducts business in an operating airport or public facility, if the county or municipality which owns the airport or public facility has, by resolution of its governing body, annually applied to the department for the permit. The permit authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption by the glass and not in the original package or container on the premises.
3. Except as provided in this paragraph, all sections of this chapter relating to “Class B" licenses apply to “Class B" permits issued under this paragraph.
4. The department may not issue a permit under this paragraph to any county or municipality or officer or employee thereof.
(c) Vessels.
1. The department may issue a “Class B" permit to any person who holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50) and who is qualified under s. 125.04 (5) authorizing the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption on any vessel having a regular place of mooring located in any waters of this state as defined under s. 29.001 (45) and (63) if the vessel either serves food and has an approved passenger capacity of not less than 40 individuals and the sale of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages on the vessel accounts for less than 50 percent of the gross receipts of all of the food and beverages served on the vessel or if the vessel has an approved passenger capacity of at least 100 individuals and the sale of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages on the vessel accounts for less than 50 percent of the gross receipts of the vessel. The department may issue the permit only if the vessel leaves its place of mooring while the sale of intoxicating liquor is taking place and if the vessel fulfills the requirement under par. (c) 1m. A permit issued under this subdivision also authorizes the permittee to store intoxicating liquor purchased for sale on the vessel on premises owned or leased by the permittee and located near the vessel's regular place of mooring. The permittee shall describe on the permit application under s. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. the premises where the intoxicating liquor will be stored. The premises shall be open to inspection by the department upon request.
1m. An applicant for a permit under subd. 1. shall provide proof that the vessel is certified by the U.S. coast guard, classed by the American bureau of shipping, or covered by liability insurance.
3. Except as provided in this paragraph, all provisions of this chapter applying to “Class B" licenses apply to “Class B" permits issued under subd. 1.
4. A person holding a permit under subd. 1. shall keep all invoices relating to the purchase of intoxicating liquor for sale on a vessel at the location where the intoxicating liquor is customarily stored.
(d) Permits for certain tribes.
1. In this paragraph, “ tribe" has the meaning given in s. 125.27 (3) (a).
2. Upon application, the department shall issue a “Class B" permit to a tribe that holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50) and that is qualified under s. 125.04 (5) and (6). The permit authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises where sold by the glass and not in the original package or container. The permit also authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor in the original package or container, in multiples not to exceed 4 liters at any one time, to be consumed off the premises where sold, except that wine is not subject to the 4-liter limitation.
3. Except as provided in this paragraph, all sections of this chapter applying to “Class B" licenses apply to “Class B" permits issued under this paragraph.
(e) Additional sales authority for permittees. Notwithstanding pars. (a) 2., (b) 3., (c) 3., and (d) 3. and ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) and 125.09 (1), in addition to the authorization specified in par. (a), (b), (c), or (d), a “Class B" permit issued under this subsection also authorizes the permittee 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 permittee and if the premises covered by the “Class B” permit are located in Ozaukee County. Notwithstanding pars. (a), (b), (c), and (d), a permittee may provide intoxicating liquor under this paragraph at the Ozaukee County fairgrounds even though the Ozaukee County fairgrounds are not part of the premises described in the permit. A permittee that provides intoxicating liquor under this paragraph is subject to s. 125.68 (2) as if the intoxicating liquor were provided on the premises covered by the “Class B” permit. 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. This paragraph does not apply to a permit issued under par. (g).
(f) Permits for racetrack grounds.
1. In this paragraph, “ racetrack grounds" has the meaning given in s. 125.27 (5) (a).
2. The department may issue “Class B" permits for locations within racetrack grounds to any person that holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50), that is qualified under s. 125.04 (5) and (6), and that is the owner or operator of the racetrack grounds or is designated by the owner or operator of the racetrack grounds to operate premises located within the racetrack grounds. Subject to subd. 4., the permit authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor, by the glass and not in the original package or container, on the premises covered by the permit, for consumption anywhere within the racetrack grounds. If the department issues more than one permit under this paragraph for the same racetrack grounds, no part of the premises covered by a permit under this paragraph may overlap with premises covered by any other permit issued under this paragraph.
3. Subject to ss. 125.07 (3) (a) 17. and 125.68 (4) (c) 4., all provisions of this chapter applying to “Class B" licenses apply to “Class B" permits issued under this paragraph, except as follows:
a. A permit issued under this paragraph does not authorize retail sales of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the racetrack grounds.
b. A permit issued under this paragraph authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor for possession and consumption off the premises where sold if the possession and consumption occurs within the racetrack grounds.
4. A permit issued under this paragraph does not authorize retail sales of intoxicating liquor at any designated camping area on racetrack grounds while the area is in use for camping.
5. The department shall establish a fee for a permit issued under this paragraph in the amount of 50 percent of the fee for a permit issued under par. (a).
(g) Permits for state fair park.
1. The state fair park board may issue “Class B" permits for locations at the state fair park to any person who holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50), meets the qualifications under s. 125.04 (5) (a), (b), and (c), and, if applicable, satisfies the requirements under s. 125.04 (6). The state fair park board may use the application forms under s. 125.04 (3) (b) and (d) 1. or may prepare its own application forms with application information tailored to the permits under this paragraph. The state fair park board's notice of meeting under s. 19.84 for a meeting at which a permit application will be considered shall be given at least 15 days prior to the meeting.
2. A permit issued under this paragraph authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor, by the glass and not in the original package or container, on the premises covered by the permit, for consumption anywhere at the state fair park.
3. A permit issued under this paragraph may describe as premises under the permit multiple locations at the state fair park.
4. A permit issued under this paragraph to a person affiliated with a winery trade association may also authorize the permittee to make retail sales, in original packages or containers, for consumption away from the state fair park, of wine manufactured by members of the winery trade association.
5. A person holding a permit under this paragraph is subject to any requirements or conditions imposed upon the person by the state fair park board in the permit or under a lease or vendor agreement. This agreement may require the person to remit to the state fair park board a percentage of gross sales of alcohol beverages as specified in the agreement.
6. Sections 125.04 (3) (e), (f), and (g), (8), and (12), 125.045, 125.10, 125.12, and 125.185 do not apply with respect to a permit issued under this paragraph.
7. Permits issued under this paragraph are not subject to a quota under sub. (4).
8. A permit issued under this paragraph shall be valid for one year and expire on June 30. The state fair park board shall establish an annual fee for a permit issued under this paragraph in the amount of 50 percent of the annual fee for a permit issued under par. (a). All fees received under this subdivision shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.190 (1) (h).
9.
a. The state fair park board shall establish standards, consistent with subd. 1., and procedures for renewal of a permit issued under this paragraph.
b. The state fair park board shall establish standards and procedures for suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a permit issued under this paragraph. A suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a permit under this paragraph is a contested case under ch. 227.
10. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, all sections of this chapter relating to “Class B" licenses apply to “Class B" permits issued under this paragraph.
11. The state fair park board shall have the enforcement powers of s. 42.01 over a permittee under this paragraph.
12. A municipality may not issue a “Class B” license for premises within the state fair park. No person may sell intoxicating liquor at retail at the state fair park unless the person holds a permit issued under this paragraph.
(6) Face-to-face retail sales. Except as provided in subs. (3) (bm), (bs), and (bx) and (5) (e) and except with respect to caterers, a retail license or permit issued under this section authorizes only face-to-face sales to consumers at the premises described in the retail license or permit.
(7) Sales in name of licensee or permittee. Every holder of a retail license or permit for the sale of intoxicating liquor shall purchase, advertise and sell intoxicating liquor in the holder's name and under the holder's license or permit only, except that holders of retail licenses or permits that are franchisees, as defined in s. 553.03 (5), may advertise, separately or together, in the name of the franchisor, as defined in s. 553.03 (6).
(8) Connecting premises. Except in the case of hotels, no person may hold both a “Class A" license and either a “Class B" license or permit, a Class “B" license or permit or a “Class C" license for the same premises or for connecting premises. Except for hotels, if either type of license or permit is issued for the same or connecting premises already covered by the other type of license or permit, the license or permit last issued is void. If both licenses or permits are issued simultaneously, both are void.
(9) Licenses for less than one year.
(a) A license may be issued after July 1 in any license year. The license shall expire on the following June 30. The fee for the license shall be prorated according to the number of months or fractions thereof remaining until the following June 30.
(b) Licenses valid for 6 months may be issued at any time. The fee for the license shall be 50 percent of the annual license fee. The license may not be renewed during the calendar year in which issued.
(10) Temporary licenses.
(a) Notwithstanding s. 125.68 (3), temporary “Class B" licenses may be issued to bona fide clubs and chambers of commerce, to county or local fair associations or agricultural societies, to churches, lodges, or societies that have been in existence for at least 6 months before the date of application, and to posts of veterans' organizations authorizing the sale of wine in an original package, container, or bottle or by the glass if the wine is dispensed directly from an original package, container, or bottle at a particular picnic or similar gathering, at a meeting of the post, or during a fair conducted by the fair association or agricultural society. The amount of the fee for the license shall be determined by the municipal governing body issuing the license but may not exceed $10, except that no fee may be charged to a person who at the same time applies for a temporary Class “B" license under s. 125.26 (6) for the same event. A license issued to a county or district fair licenses the entire fairgrounds where the fair is being conducted and all persons engaging in retail sales of wine from leased stands on the fairgrounds. The county or district fair to which the license is issued may lease stands on the fairgrounds to persons who may engage in retail sales of wine from the stands while the fair is being held. If a county or district fair leases any stand to a winery holding a permit under s. 125.53, in addition to making retail sales of wine from the leased stand, the winery may provide taste samples anywhere on the fairgrounds of wine manufactured by the winery. If a license is issued under this paragraph to a fair association solely for the purpose of conducting on the licensed premises wine judging or tasting events involving servings of wine no greater than one fluid ounce each, s. 125.68 (2) does not apply to these licensed premises. Except as provided in par. (b), not more than 2 licenses may be issued under this paragraph to any club, chamber of commerce, county or local fair association, agricultural association, church, lodge, society, or veterans post in any 12-month period.
(b)
1. A municipality may issue up to 20 licenses under par. (a) to the same licensee if all of the following apply:
a. Each license is issued for the same date and times and the licensee is the sponsor of an event held at multiple locations within the municipality on this date and at these times.
b. An admission fee is charged for participation in the event and no additional fee is charged for service of alcohol at the event.
c. Within the immediately preceding 12-month period, the municipality has issued licenses under authority of this paragraph for fewer than 2 events.
2. The duration of an event under subd. 1. may not exceed one day.
3. For purposes of the 2-license limit imposed under par. (a), each event for which multiple licenses are issued as provided in subd. 1. shall count as one license toward this 2-license limit.
4. A municipal governing body or an official or body authorized by a municipal governing body to issue temporary “Class B" licenses may, upon issuance of a temporary “Class B" license as provided in subd. 1., authorize the licensee to permit underage persons to be on the licensed premises for the purpose of acting as designated drivers.
History: 1981 c. 79, 202, 220; 1983 a. 27 ss. 1489c, 2202 (38); 1983 a. 250, 516; 1985 a. 74, 239, 302; 1987 a. 27, 91, 103, 249, 354, 399; 1989 a. 16, 30, 31, 252, 253, 359; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 112; 1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 27, 41, 248, 259; 1999 a. 9, 185; 2001 a. 16, 49; 2003 a. 124; 2005 a. 22, 268, 307; 2007 a. 20, 69, 85, 192; 2009 a. 28, 73; 2011 a. 129; 2013 a. 268; 2015 a. 10, 55, 62, 286, 372; 2017 a. 95, 364; 2019 a. 6; 2021 a. 21, 39, 43; 2021 a. 239 ss. 73, 74; s. 35.17 correction in (3r) (b).
A city ordinance allowing a recipient of a new Class B license who pays the $10,000 fee under sub. (3) (e) 2. to apply for a $10,000 economic development grant from the city was not barred by the statute or constitution. Alexander v. City of Madison, 2001 WI App 208, 247 Wis. 2d 576, 634 N.W.2d 577, 00-2692.
The licensed premises, with respect to a “Class B" intoxicating liquor license under this section, may be co-extensive with the premises where consumption may occur. Thus, the premises to be listed on a “Class B" license are not necessarily confined to the dimensions of a bar room or storage room. Here, the town chose to license the entire eight acres of a resort as the premises for the sale, and also the consumption, of fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquor. The town made that choice. The license was not void due to an insufficient description of the premises. Wisconsin Dolls, LLC v. Town of Dell Prairie, 2012 WI 76, 342 Wis. 2d 350, 815 N.W.2d 690, 10-2900.
Country clubs opening any part of their facilities to the general public lose their eligibility for “country club" liquor or beer licenses. 69 Atty. Gen. 248.

Structure Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations