Number
251361
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to alcohol beverage licenses in the public spaces.
Section
90-1-20.5 cr
90-1-25.5 cr
90-3-3.6 cr
Analysis
This ordinance brings the city’s alcohol beverage licensing regulations into alignment with 2023 Wisconsin Act 73 by creating a no-sale event venue permit, adopting the statutory definition of public place, and confirming that anyone who rents a premises for an event where alcohol is consumed shall secure either a city alcohol beverage license or a no-sale event venue permit issued by the Wisconsin department of revenue.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 90-1-20.5 and 25.5 of the code is created to read:
90-1. Definitions.
20.5. NO-SALE EVENT VENUE PERMIT means a permit issued by the Wisconsin department of revenue pursuant to s. 125.24, Wis. Stats., for a public place that authorizes the permittee to rent or lease real property for use as an event venue at which fermented malt beverages and wine may be consumed on no more than 6 days per calendar year and no more than one day per month. A no-sale event venue permit does not authorize the sale of alcohol beverages on the premises.
25.5. PUBLIC PLACE means a venue, room, or establishment that is rented or made available for rent to the public for an event or social gathering, and has the meaning given in s. 125.09(1), Wis. Stats.
Part 2. Section 90-3-3.6. of the code is created to read:
90-3. License Required.
3.6. PUBLIC PLACE CONSUMPTION. No owner, lessee, or person in charge of a public place shall permit the possession or consumption of alcohol beverages on the premises without holding either a Class “B”, Class “C”, or “Class B” tavern license, or a Wisconsin department of revenue no-sale event venue permit.
Part 3. This ordinance is effective January 1, 2026.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date: _____11/26/2025_________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
____________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date: ______________________
Requestor
City Clerk-License Division
Drafter
LRB181157-2
Addis Zewdie
11/26/2025