125.24(5)(a)(a) In this subsection, “qualifying event venue” means real property that is rented or leased for use as an event venue for private events that satisfy all of the following requirements in the preceding 12-month period:
125.24(5)(a)1.1. There were at least 5 events held at the venue at which no fewer than 50 invited guests attended.
125.24(5)(a)2.2. The venue owner received at least $20,000 in revenue from renting or leasing the venue for the events under subd. 1.
125.24(5)(b)(b) Upon application, the division shall certify an owner of a qualifying event venue as eligible for the quota exception under s. 125.51 (4) (v) 5. if all of the following apply:
125.24(5)(b)1.1. The qualifying event venue is in operation on January 1, 2026, and has been in operation for the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of the application.
125.24(5)(b)2.2. The qualifying event venue has not been a “Class B” licensed premises at any time in the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of the application.
125.24(5)(b)3.3. The owner of the qualifying event venue has not applied for a permit under this section.
125.24(5)(b)4.4. The owner of the qualifying event venue provides documentation to the division that, in the absence of the exception under s. 125.51 (4) (v) 5., the municipality in which the qualifying event venue is located would be prohibited under s. 125.51 (4) (am) from issuing the owner a “Class B” license.
125.24(5)(b)5.5. The owner of the qualifying event venue provides documentation to the division showing, and the division confirms, that the requirements under subd. 1. and par. (a) are satisfied.
125.24(5)(b)6.6. The owner of the qualifying event venue provides notice to the division no later than March 2, 2026, that the owner is applying for a “Class B” license and is not seeking a no-sale event venue permit.
125.24(5)(c)(c) The division shall act on an application for certification under par. (b) within 30 days of receiving the application.
125.24(5)(d)(d) The division may not issue a certification under par. (b) after August 1, 2026.
Effective date noteNOTE: This section is created eff. 1-1-26 by 2023 Wis. Act 73.
125.24 HistoryHistory: 2023 a. 73.
subch. II of ch. 125SUBCHAPTER II
FERMENTED MALT BEVERAGES
125.25125.25Class “A” licenses.
125.25(1)(1)Every municipal governing body may issue Class “A” licenses for the sale of fermented malt beverages from premises within the municipality. A Class “A” license authorizes retail sales of fermented malt beverages for consumption off the premises where sold and in original packages, containers, and bottles. A Class “A” license also authorizes the licensee to provide, free of charge, to customers and visitors who have attained the legal drinking age fermented malt beverages taste samples that are not in original packages, containers, or bottles and that do not exceed 3 fluid ounces each, for consumption on the Class “A” premises. No Class “A” licensee may provide more than 2 taste samples per day to any one person. Taste samples may be provided under this subsection only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Any other provision of this chapter applicable to retail sales of fermented malt beverages by a Class “A” licensee also applies to the provision of taste samples, free of charge, of fermented malt beverages by a Class “A” licensee. A license may be issued after July 1. That license shall expire on the following June 30.
125.25(2)(2)
125.25(2)(a)(a) 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.
125.25(2)(b)(b) Subject to s. 125.20 (6), a Class “A” license may not be issued to any person who holds, or has an interest in a permittee holding, any of the following:
125.25(2)(b)1.1. A wholesaler’s permit issued under s. 125.28 or 125.54.
125.25(2)(b)2.2. A brewer’s permit issued under s. 125.29.
125.25(2)(b)3.3. A brewpub permit issued under s. 125.295.
125.25(2)(b)4.4. A winery permit issued under s. 125.53.
125.25(2)(b)5.5. A manufacturer’s or rectifier’s permit issued under s. 125.52.
125.25(2)(b)6.6. An out-of-state shipper’s permit issued under s. 125.30 or 125.58.
125.25(3)(3)Class “A” licenses shall particularly describe the premises for which issued and are not transferable, except under s. 125.04 (12). A Class “A” license is subject to revocation for violation of any of the terms or provisions thereof.
125.25(4)(4)The fee for a Class “A” license shall be determined by the municipal governing body issuing the license. The fee for a license for less than 12 months shall be prorated according to the number of months or fraction thereof for which the license is issued.