2011 Wisconsin Laws 125.51 – Retail licenses and permits
125.51(3m)(d)
(d) A “Class C” license shall particularly describe the premises for which it is issued.
125.51(5)(b)1.d.
d. “Public facility” means an arena, coliseum, related exposition facilities or center for the performing or visual arts.
125.51(3r)
(3r) Sales of wine by the bottle in restaurants.
125.51(3)(am)
(am) A “Class B” license issued to a winery authorizes the sale of wine to be consumed by the glass or in opened containers only on the premises where sold and 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.
125.51(3)(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 only on the premises where sold and also authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor in the original package or container, in multiples not to exceed 4 liters at any one time, and to be consumed off the premises where sold. Wine, however, may be sold for consumption off the premises in the original package or otherwise in any quantity. 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.
125.51(1)
(1) Municipal authority to issue.
125.51(1)(b)
(b) No member of the municipal governing body may hold a permit under § 125.54 or, with respect to the issuance or denial of licenses under this section, do any act in violation of § 19.59 (1).
125.51(1)(c)
(c)
125.51(2)
(2) Retail “Class A” license.
125.51(3)
(3) Retail “Class B” license.
125.51(3)(bs)
(bs)
125.51(3)(bs)1.
1. In this paragraph:
125.51(3)(bs)1.a.
a. “Coliseum” means a multipurpose facility designed principally for sports events, with a capacity of 18,000 or more persons.
125.51(3m)(e)
(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.
125.51(3r)(a)
(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:
125.51(1)(a)
(a) 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. (am) unless the winery has been issued a permit under § 125.53 and the winery is capable of producing at least 5,000 gallons of wine per year in no more than 2 locations.
125.51(1)(c)1.
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. 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.
125.51(1)(c)2.
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.
125.51(2)(a)
(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.
125.51(2)(b)
(b) Except as provided under § 125.69, “Class A” licenses may be issued to any person qualified under § 125.04 (5), except a person acting as an agent for or in the employ of another.
125.51(2)(c)
(c) “Class A” licenses shall particularly describe the premises for which issued and are not transferable, except as provided in § 125.04 (12).
125.51(2)(d)
(d) 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.
125.51(3)(a)
(a) A “Class B” license 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. 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 para. (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.
125.51(3)(bm)
(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 § 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.
125.51(3)(bs)1.b.
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.
125.51(3)(bs)2.
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 § 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.
125.51(3)(bu)
(bu) Notwithstanding ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) and 125.09 (1), in addition to the authorization specified in sub. (a) and in sub. (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 para. (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 § 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.
125.51(3)(c)
(c) Except as provided under § 125.69, a “Class B” license may be issued to any person qualified under § 125.04 (5), except a person acting as an agent for or in the employ of another.
125.51(3)(d)
(d) “Class B” licenses shall particularly describe the premises for which issued and are not transferable, except as provided in § 125.04 (12).
125.51(3)(e)
(e)
125.51(3m)
(3m) Retail “Class C” license.
125.51(3m)(a)
(a) In this subsection “barroom” means a room that is primarily used for the sale or consumption of alcohol beverages.
125.51(3m)(b)
(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.
125.51(3)(bw)
(bw) Notwithstanding ss. 125.04 (3) (a) 3. and (9) and 125.09 (1), in addition to the authorization specified in para. (a) or (b) and in sub. (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. (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 para. (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 § 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.
125.51(3)(dm)
(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.
125.51(3)(e)1.
1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3., 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.
125.51(4)(br)
(br)
125.51(3)(e)2.
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. a., 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.
125.51(3)(e)3.
3. Each municipal governing body shall establish the annual fee for a “Class B” license issued under sub. (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.
125.51(3)(f)
(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 para. (am).
125.51(3m)(c)
(c) A “Class C” license may be issued to a person qualified under § 125.04 (5) for a restaurant in which the sale of alcohol beverages accounts for less than 50% 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% 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.
125.51(5)(c)
(c) Vessels.
125.51(3r)(a)1.
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.
125.51(3r)(a)2.
2. The licensee provides a dated receipt that identifies the purchase of the food and the bottle of wine.
125.51(3r)(a)3.
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.
125.51(3r)(b)
(b) This subsection does not apply to a “Class B” license issued to a winery under § 125.51 (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).
125.51(4)
(4) Quotas on “Class B” licenses.
125.51(4)(a)
(a) In this subsection:
125.51(4)(a)1.
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. (am).
125.51(4)(a)2.
2. “Population” means the number of inhabitants in the previous year determined by the department of administration under § 16.96 (2) for purposes of revenue sharing distribution.
125.51(4)(a)3.
3. “Quota” means the number of licenses which a municipality may grant or issue.
125.51(4)(a)4.
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 para. (br).
125.51(4)(am)
(am) No municipality may issue a license that would cause the municipality to exceed its quota.
125.51(4)(b)1g.
1g. The number of licenses granted or issued in good faith by the municipality and in force on December 1, 1997.
125.51(4)(bm)1.
1. Authorized to be issued by the municipality on December 1, 1997, under s. 125.51 (4), 1995 stats.;
125.51(4)(bm)3.
3. That are reserve “Class B” licenses.
125.51(4)(b)
(b) Except as provided in pars. (c) and (d), the quota of each municipality is the sum of the following:
125.51(4)(b)1m.
1m. The number of the municipality’s reserve “Class B” licenses determined under par. (bm) 3.
125.51(4)(bm)
(bm) The clerk of each municipality shall record the municipality’s population, as defined in par. (a) 2., and the number of licenses:
125.51(4)(bm)2.
2. Described in par. (b) 1g.; and
125.51(4)(br)1.
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:
125.51(4)(br)1.a.
a. Subtract 3 from the number recorded under par. (bm) 1.
125.51(4)(br)1.b.
b. Subtract the number recorded under par. (bm) 2. from the result under subd. 1. a.
125.51(4)(br)1.c.
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.
125.51(4)(br)1.d.
d. Add 3 to the result under subd. 1. c.
125.51(4)(br)1.e.
e. Add one license per each increase of 500 population to the population recorded under para. (bm).
125.51(5)(b)1.e.
e. “Related exposition facility” means buildings constructed on the same grounds as a coliseum and used for the same or ancillary functions.
125.51(5)(b)4.
4. The department may not issue a permit under this paragraph to any county or municipality or officer or employee thereof.
125.51(4)(br)1.f.
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.
125.51(4)(br)2.
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 para. (bm), 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.
125.51(4)(c)
(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.
125.51(4)(d)
(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.
125.51(4)(v)
(v) Notwithstanding para. (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:
125.51(4)(v)1.
1. A full-service restaurant that has a seating capacity of 300 or more persons.
125.51(4)(v)2.
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.
125.51(4)(w)
(w)
125.51(4)(x)
(x)
125.51(4)(x)1.
1. In this paragraph:
125.51(4)(x)2.
2. The legislature hereby enumerates the following areas, with the geographic boundaries described in this subdivision, as capital improvement areas:
125.51(4)(v)3.
3. An opera house or theater for the performing arts operated by a nonprofit organization, as defined in § 134.695 (1)(am). Notwithstanding sub. (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.
125.51(4)(v)4.
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.
125.51(4)(w)1.
1. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and § 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.
125.51(4)(x)1.a.
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.
125.51(4)(x)1.b.
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.
125.51(4)(w)2.
2. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and § 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).
125.51(4)(w)3.
3. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and § 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).
125.51(4)(w)4.
4. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and § 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).
125.51(4)(x)1.c.
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.
125.51(4)(x)1.d.
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.
125.51(4)(x)1.e.
e. “Qualified applicant” means an applicant that complies with all requirements under § 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.
125.51(4)(x)2.a.
a. 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.
125.51(4)(x)3.
3. Notwithstanding pars. (am) to (d) and § 125.185 (5), upon application by a qualified applicant, the governing body of any municipality containing a capital improvement area enumerated under subd. 2. a. 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 para. (v).
125.51(4)(x)5.
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.
125.51(4)(x)6.
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.
125.51(4)(x)7.
7. No “Class B” license may be issued under this paragraph after July 1, 2017.
125.51(5)
(5) Retail “Class B” permits.
125.51(5)(a)
(a) Sports cl