Chapter 125

125.04(5)(a)1. 1. Do not have an arrest or conviction record, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, 111.335 and 125.12 (1) (b).

125.04(5)(a)2. 2. Have been residents of this state continuously for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.

125.04(5)(a)3. 3. Have attained the legal drinking age.

125.04(5)(a)4. 4. Have submitted proof under s. 77.61 (11).

125.04(5)(a)5. 5. Have successfully completed within the 2 years prior to the date of application a responsible beverage server training course at any location that is offered by a technical college district and that conforms to curriculum guidelines specified by the technical college system board or a comparable training course that is approved by the division or the department of safety and professional services. This subdivision does not apply to an applicant who held, or who was an agent appointed and approved under sub. (6) of a corporation or limited liability company that held, within the past 2 years, a Class “A”, “Class A” or “Class C” license or a Class “B” or “Class B” license or permit or a manager’s or operator’s license, or an operator’s permit.

125.04(5)(b) (b) Criminal offenders. No license or permit related to alcohol beverages may, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, be issued under this chapter to any person who has habitually been a law offender or has been convicted of a felony unless the person has been duly pardoned.

125.04(5)(c) (c) Corporations and limited liability companies. No license or permit may be issued to any corporation or limited liability company unless that entity meets the qualifications under pars. (a) 1. and 4. and (b), unless the agent of the entity appointed under sub. (6) and the officers and directors, or members or managers, of the entity meet the qualifications of pars. (a) 1. and 3. and (b) and unless the agent of the entity appointed under sub. (6) meets the qualifications under par. (a) 2. and 5. The requirement that the entity meet the qualifications under pars. (a) 1. and (b) does not apply if the entity has terminated its relationship with all of the individuals whose actions directly contributed to the conviction.

125.04(5)(d) (d) Operators’ and managers’ licenses.

125.04(5)(d)1. 1. Paragraph (a) 2. does not apply to applicants for operators’ licenses issued under s. 125.17, to applicants for operators’ permits issued under s. 125.175, or to applicants for managers’ licenses issued under s. 125.18. Managers’ licenses may be issued only to applicants who are residents of this state at the time of issuance.

125.04(5)(d)2. 2. Paragraph (a) 3. does not apply to applicants for operators’ licenses under s. 125.17 or to applicants for operators’ permits under s. 125.175. Operators’ licenses and operators’ permits may be issued only to applicants who have attained the age of 18.

125.04(5)(d)3. 3. Paragraph (a) 4. and 5. does not apply to any of the following:

125.04(5)(d)3.a. a. Applicants for operators’ licenses under s. 125.17 and for operators’ permits under s. 125.175.

125.04(5)(d)3.b. b. Applicants for managers’ licenses under s. 125.18.

125.04(5)(d)3.c. c. Applicants for temporary Class “B” licenses under s. 125.26 (6) who are not required to hold a seller’s permit under subch. III of ch. 77.

125.04(5)(d)3.d. d. Applicants for temporary “Class B” licenses under s. 125.51 (10) who are not required to hold a seller’s permit under subch. III of ch. 77.

125.04(6) (6) Licenses to corporations and limited liability companies; appointment of agents.

125.04(6)(a) (a) Agent. No corporation or limited liability company organized under the laws of this state or of any other state or foreign country may be issued any alcohol beverage license or permit unless:

125.04(6)(a)1. 1. The entity first appoints an agent in the manner prescribed by the authority issuing the license or permit. In addition to the qualifications under sub. (5), the agent must, with respect to character, record and reputation, be satisfactory to the issuing authority.

125.04(6)(a)2. 2. The entity vests in the agent, by properly authorized and executed written delegation, full authority and control of the premises described in the license or permit of the entity, and of the conduct of all business on the premises relative to alcohol beverages, that the licensee or permittee could have and exercise if it were a natural person.

125.04(6)(b) (b) Successor agent. A corporation or limited liability company may cancel the appointment of an agent and appoint a successor agent to act in the agent’s place, for the remainder of the license year or until another agent is appointed, as follows:

125.04(6)(b)1. 1. The successor agent shall meet the same qualifications required of the first appointed agent.

125.04(6)(b)2. 2. The entity shall immediately notify the issuing authority, in writing, of the appointment of the successor agent and the reason for the cancellation and new appointment.

125.04(6)(c) (c) Authority of successor. A successor agent shall have all the authority, perform all the functions and be charged with all the duties of the previous agent of the corporation or limited liability company until the next regular or special meeting of the issuing authority if a license is held. However, the license of the corporation or limited liability company shall cease to be in force if, prior to the next regular or special meeting of the issuing authority, the clerk of the licensing authority receives notice of disapproval of the successor agent by a peace officer of the municipality issuing the license.

125.04(6)(d) (d) Approval of successor. The license of the corporation or limited liability company shall not be in force after the next regular or special meeting of the licensing authority unless and until the successor agent or another qualified agent is appointed and approved by the licensing authority.

125.04(6)(e) (e) Fee. The corporation or limited liability company shall, following the approval of each successor agent or another qualified agent by the licensing authority, pay to the licensing authority a fee of $10.

125.04(6)(f) (f) Resignation. If an agent appointed under this subsection resigns, he or she shall notify in writing the corporation or limited liability company and the authority issuing the license or permit within 48 hours of the resignation.

125.04(6)(g) (g) Forms. If the division or any municipality prepares a form relating to the appointment of an agent under this subsection, including any cancellation of an appointment or appointment of a successor agent, the form may not require the signature of more than one person signing on behalf of the corporation or limited liability company submitting the form.

125.04(8) (8) Payment of license fee; permit fees.

125.04(8)(a) (a) No license for the sale of alcohol beverages may be delivered to the applicant until the applicant files with the municipal clerk a receipt showing payment of the license fee to the appropriate treasurer. No city or village may require an applicant to pay the license fee more than 15 days prior to the date the license is to be issued. No town may require an applicant to pay the license fee more than 30 days prior to the date the license is to be issued.

125.04(8)(b) (b) Unless the department established a different permit fee before January 1, 2025, and except as provided in ss. 125.175 (3), 125.22 (1) (e), 125.23 (1) (c), 125.27 (5) (f), 125.28 (4), 125.295 (4), 125.51 (5) (f) 5., 125.535 (2), and 125.65 (10), the division shall charge an annual fee of $500 for each permit issued by the division under this chapter.

Effective date note NOTE: Sub. (8) is amended eff. 1-1-26 by 2023 Wis. Act 73 to read:

Effective date text (8) Payment of license fee; permit fees. (a) No license for the sale of alcohol beverages may be delivered to the applicant until the applicant files with the municipal clerk a receipt showing payment of the license fee to the appropriate treasurer. No city or village may require an applicant to pay the license fee more than 15 days prior to the date the license is to be issued. No town may require an applicant to pay the license fee more than 30 days prior to the date the license is to be issued.

Effective date text (b) Unless the department established a different permit fee before January 1, 2025, and except as provided in ss. 125.175 (3), 125.22 (1) (e), 125.23 (1) (c), 125.24 (1) (e), 125.27 (5) (f), 125.28 (4), 125.295 (4), 125.51 (5) (f) 5., 125.535 (2), and 125.65 (10), the division shall charge an annual fee of $500 for each permit issued by the division under this chapter.

125.04(8m) (8m) Payment of criminal history fees. Any fees incurred by the division under s. 165.82 (1) (am) for purposes of verifying a permit applicant’s eligibility under sub. (5) (a) 1. and (b) shall be paid by the applicant to the division upon application for the permit.

125.04(9) (9) Separate license or permit required. Except as provided under ss. 125.27 (2) (a) and 125.51 (5) (c) 1., wholesalers, manufacturers, rectifiers, brewers, brewpubs, and retailers shall have a separate permit or license covering each location or premises, except a licensed public warehouse, from which deliveries and sales of alcohol beverages are made or at which alcohol beverages are stored.

125.04(10) (10) License and permit framed, posted.

125.04(10)(a) (a) Frame. Permits for the retail sale of alcohol beverages, and licenses for the sale of alcohol beverages, shall be enclosed in a frame having a transparent front which allows the license or permit to be clearly read.

125.04(10)(b) (b) Display. All permits and licenses under par. (a), other than those for the sale of fermented malt beverages for consumption on the premises issued to the state fair or to county or district fairs receiving state aid, shall be conspicuously displayed for public inspection at all times in the room or place where the activity subject to permit or licensure is carried on.

125.04(11) (11) Expiration dates. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter:

125.04(11)(a) (a) Permits. All permits to sell alcohol beverages shall expire as specified in the valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50).

125.04(11)(b) (b) Licenses.

125.04(11)(b)1. 1. The municipal governing body of a 1st class city may issue a retail license for the sale of alcohol beverages at any time during a year. Each license shall be valid for one year and shall specify its date of expiration.

125.04(11)(b)2. 2. All licenses other than those specified under subd. 1. shall expire on June 30 of each year.

125.04(12) (12) Transfer of licenses and permits.

125.04(12)(a) (a) From place to place. Every alcohol beverage license or permit may be transferred to another place or premises within the same municipality. An alcohol beverage warehouse permit under s. 125.19, a winery permit under s. 125.53, or a wholesaler’s permit under s. 125.28 or 125.54 may be transferred to another premises within this state. Transfers shall be made by the issuing authority upon payment of a fee of $10 to the issuing authority. No retail licensee, retail permittee, wholesaler permittee, or holder of a warehouse or winery permit is entitled to more than one transfer during the license or permit year. This paragraph does not apply to a license issued under s. 125.51 (4) (v) or to a reserve “Class B” license, as defined in s. 125.51 (4) (a).

125.04(12)(b) (b) From person to person.

125.04(12)(b)1. 1. Licenses to sell alcohol beverages may be transferred to persons other than the licensee if the licensee, or an applicant for a subsequently granted license, dies, becomes bankrupt or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors during the license year or after filing the application. If a retail licensee becomes disabled, the municipality may, upon application, transfer the license to the licensee’s spouse if that spouse may hold a license under sub. (5) and complies with all of the requirements under this chapter applicable to original applicants, except that the spouse is exempt from payment of the license fee for the year in which the transfer takes place.

125.04(12)(b)2. 2. Upon the happening of any of the events under subd. 1., the personal representative, the surviving spouse if a personal representative is not appointed, the trustee or the receiver may continue or sell or assign the business.

125.04(12)(b)4. 4. If the business is sold or assigned, the license may be transferred to the successor owner or assignee at no charge if:

125.04(12)(b)4.a. a. He or she complies with the requirements applicable to original applicants; and

125.04(12)(b)4.b. b. He or she is acceptable to the issuing authority and consent to the transfer is given by the issuing authority.

125.04(13) (13) Penalties. Any person who violates sub. (1) may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.

125.04 History History: 1981 c. 79, 235, 391; 1983 a. 27, 72, 74, 493, 494, 516; 1985 a. 302; 1987 a. 35, 301, 399; 1989 a. 31, 253; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 112, 259, 491; 1995 a. 23; 1995 a. 27 ss. 4117b, 4117c, 9154 (1); 1995 a. 225; 1997 a. 27; 2003 a. 250; 2007 a. 20, 85; 2011 a. 32; 2017 a. 59; 2017 a. 207 s. 5; 2017 a. 289; 2023 a. 73.

125.04 Annotation Section 176.14 [now sub. (3) (h)] requires a licensee to update an application during the license year to facilitate scrutiny of the ongoing operation. The licensing authority has discretion to approve or disapprove any reported expansion of a licensed premises. Alberti v. City of Whitewater, 109 Wis. 2d 592, 327 N.W.2d 150 (Ct. App. 1982).

125.04 Annotation Licensees who are natural persons are liable for criminal acts of employees. State v. Beaudry, 119 Wis. 2d 96, 349 N.W.2d 106 (Ct. App. 1984). But see s. 125.115.

125.04 Annotation The registered agent of a corporate alcohol beverage licensee is subject to vicarious criminal liability for an employee’s violation of the closing hour law. State v. Beaudry, 123 Wis. 2d 40, 365 N.W.2d 593 (1985).

125.04 Annotation A person may be a “habitual law offender” under sub. (5) (b) without having been convicted of any crime. State ex rel. Smith v. City of Oak Creek, 139 Wis. 2d 788, 407 N.W.2d 901 (1987).

125.04 Annotation Sub. (1) requires that the actual owner of an establishment selling intoxicating liquor possess the license in the owner’s own name. State v. Eastman, 148 Wis. 2d 254, 435 N.W.2d 278 (Ct. App. 1988).

125.04 Annotation A license never should have been issued when a notice of application had not been published as required under sub. (3) (g), and a license issued without publication is void under sub. (2). Selling liquor under a void license constitutes a violation of s. 125.66 (1). Under s. 125.12, a renewal licensee, if refused, is guaranteed a right to be heard by the municipality, and the municipality must show cause for refusal, but a new licensee, if refused, has no such guarantee. When an original license is void, the applicant is a new licensee. Williams v. City of Lake Geneva, 2002 WI App 95, 253 Wis. 2d 618, 643 N.W.2d 864, 01-1733.

125.04 Annotation Proprietors of a bed and breakfast may solicit voluntary contributions from guests at a social event held on the premises to defray the cost of alcohol, but proprietors who do not hold a license may not serve alcohol at a social event only to those who pay an admission fee. 80 Atty. Gen. 218.

125.04 Annotation A village board’s denial of an application for a liquor license did not deprive the applicant of either liberty or property. Scott v. Village of Kewaskum, 786 F. 2d 338 (1986).

125.04 Annotation 90 Proof: Liquor Licensing in Wisconsin. Murrell. Wis. Law. May 2009.

125.045 125.045 Booklet for licensees and permittees; safe ride program information.

125.045(1) (1) The division shall prepare a booklet explaining the state statutes and rules relating to the retail sale of alcohol beverages, written concisely in language which is clearly understood by those required to utilize it.

125.045(2) (2) 

125.045(2)(a) (a) The division shall provide a copy of the booklet under sub. (1) free of charge to each person issued a permit, including a renewal, under s. 125.175, 125.27, or 125.51 (5). The division shall provide the booklet for a charge not to exceed cost, as provided under s. 20.908, to municipalities.

125.045(2)(b) (b) The division shall provide to each person initially issued a permit under s. 125.27 or 125.51 (5) information regarding the safe ride program described in s. 85.55.

125.045(3) (3) 

125.045(3)(a) (a) A municipality shall provide a copy of the booklet under sub. (1) to each person issued a license, including a renewal, under s. 125.17, 125.18, 125.25, 125.26 or 125.51 (1) by the municipality unless the municipality requires the person to complete an instructional program which includes the subject matter of the booklet or unless the person completes the program under s. 125.04 (5) (a) 5. or 125.17 (6). This section does not preclude a municipality from charging a fee for such a program. A municipality may charge for the booklet in an amount not to exceed the amount charged by the division under sub. (2) (a).

125.045(3)(b) (b) A municipality shall provide to each person initially issued a license under s. 125.26 (1) or 125.51 (3) or (3m) information regarding the safe ride program described in s. 85.55.

125.045 History History: 1987 a. 300; 1989 a. 56 s. 259; 1989 a. 253; 1993 a. 259; 2023 a. 73.

125.06 125.06 License and permit exceptions. No license or permit is required under this chapter for:

125.06(1) (1) Brewers’ premises. The furnishing, by brewers, of fermented malt beverages free of charge to customers, visitors, and employees on the brewery premises.

125.06(2) (2) Hospitals; practice of medicine or surgery.

125.06(2)(a) (a) The use of alcohol beverages in institutions licensed under subchs. I and II of ch. 50 where the beverages are used solely for medicinal, mechanical or scientific purposes.

125.06(2)(b) (b) The use or prescription of alcohol beverages by a person licensed to practice medicine or surgery in the treatment of the sick.

125.06(2)(c) (c) Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b), a permit to receive shipments of alcohol under s. 125.61 must be obtained before alcohol beverages may be used or prescribed under pars. (a) and (b).

125.06(3) (3) The making of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages.

125.06(3)(a) (a) The making of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages, and the possession, transportation, or storage of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages, by any person if all of the following apply:

125.06(3)(a)1. 1. The person who makes the wine or fermented malt beverages receives no compensation.

125.06(3)(a)2. 2. The wine or fermented malt beverages are not sold or offered for sale.

125.06(3)(a)3. 3. The total quantity of wine or fermented malt beverages made, in a calendar year, by the person and any other person living in the same household does not exceed 100 gallons if the household has only one person of legal drinking age or 200 gallons if the household has 2 or more persons of legal drinking age.

125.06(3)(b) (b) A person who makes, possesses, transports, or stores homemade wine or fermented malt beverages in compliance with the limitations specified in par. (a) is not a brewer or a manufacturer of wine for purposes of this chapter.

125.06(3)(c) (c) Homemade wine or fermented malt beverages made in compliance with the limitations specified in par. (a) may be consumed by the person who made it and his or her family, neighbors, and friends at any private residence or other private location where the possession and consumption of alcohol is permissible under this chapter, local ordinances, and other applicable law. This paragraph does not apply to licensed premises.

125.06(3g) (3g) Wine or fermented malt beverages made at supply stores. The manufacture of wine or fermented malt beverages by any person at a business primarily engaged in selling supplies and equipment for use by homebrewers or home winemakers, and, notwithstanding s. 125.09 (1), the tasting at the business of wine or fermented malt beverages so manufactured, if the wine or fermented malt beverages are not sold or offered for sale. Wine or fermented malt beverages provided at a business for tasting under this subsection may only be provided by a person who holds an operator’s license issued under s. 125.17 or an operator’s permit issued under s. 125.175.

125.06(3m) (3m) The use of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages for competitions or exhibitions or similar purposes.

125.06(3m)(a) (a) The use of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages made in compliance with the limitations specified in sub. (3) (a) for purposes of exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, or sampling or as part of a contest or competition, if the exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, sampling, contest, or competition is held at a private residence or on a licensed premises. Homemade wine or fermented malt beverages used for purposes described in this paragraph, including the submission or consumption of such wine or fermented malt beverages, are not considered sold or offered for sale under sub. (3) (a) 2. and any prize awarded at a contest or competition or as a result of an exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, or sampling is not considered compensation under sub. (3) (a) 1., but no fee may be charged for consumption of the homemade wine or fermented malt beverages at the exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, sampling, contest, or competition.

125.06(3m)(b) (b) Notwithstanding ss. 125.14 (5), 125.315, 125.32 (6) (a), 125.34 (2) and (5), and 125.67, a person who is not a licensee under this chapter may at a private residence, and a person who is a licensee under this chapter may on the licensed premises, conduct, sponsor, or host a contest, competition, or other event for the exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, or sampling of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages made in compliance with the limitations specified in sub. (3) (a) if the person does not sell the wine or fermented malt beverages and, unless the person is the maker of the wine or fermented malt beverages, does not acquire any ownership interest in the wine or fermented malt beverages. No fee may be charged for consumption of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages at the contest, competition, or other event. If the contest, competition, or other event is held on licensed premises, the licensee may allow the homemade wine or fermented malt beverages to be stored on the premises if the homemade wine or fermented malt beverages are clearly identified and kept separate from any alcohol beverages owned by the licensee. If the contest, competition, or other event is held on licensed premises, the provisions of ss. 125.32 (7) and 125.68 (9) (e) do not apply with respect to the homemade wine or fermented malt beverages. If the contest, competition, or other event is held on licensed premises, the licensee shall comply with all provisions of this chapter and local ordinances that would apply if the fermented malt beverages or wine were not homemade, except those provisions made specifically inapplicable under this paragraph.

125.06(3m)(c) (c) If a competition or exhibition complying with par. (b) is held by a national organization and has participants from more than 25 states, a person who made homemade wine or fermented malt beverages in another state under conditions similar to those imposed under sub. (3) may, without holding a license or permit under this chapter, transport up to 10 gallons of homemade wine or fermented malt beverages into this state for purposes of participating in the competition or exhibition.