City of Milwaukee - File #: 251676

• File #: 251676
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: In Committee
• File created: 1/20/2026
• In control: STEERING & RULES COMMITTEE
• Title: A substitute ordinance relating to notice of closure for food establishments.
• Sponsors: ALD. STAMPER

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
3/12/2026	1	PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE	REFERRED TO	Pass	5:0
1/20/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

...Number

251676

Version

SUBSTITUTE 1

Reference

Sponsor

ALD.  STAMPER AND PRATT

Title

A substitute ordinance relating to notice of closure for food establishments.

Section

68-21-5-b                     rc                     

Analysis

This ordinance requires that licensed food establishments provide written notice of intent to cease operations to the City Clerk as soon as this intent is known and at least 60 days prior to the date that operations will cease. This notification is to include the date of closure, the reason(s) for closure, and an employee notification timeline. At least 30 days prior to the date that operations will cease, notice must be posted at the entrances and exits of the establishment. Notice is not required if the closure was not reasonably foreseeable or due to natural disaster or emergency.  

Body

The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:

Part 1. Section 68-21-5-b of the code is repealed and recreated to read:

68-21. Licensure of Food Establishments; General.

5. CHANGES TO BE REPORTED

b. A licensee shall notify the city clerk in writing of his or her intention to cease operations as soon as this intent is known and at least 60 days prior to the date that operations will cease. The written notification shall include the date that operations will cease, the reasons operations will cease, and an employee notification timeline. Notice shall be posted on any entrance to or exit from the establishment at least 30 days prior to the date that operations will cease.

b-1. Exceptions. Notice shall not be required if:

b-1-a. The closure is caused by business circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable as of the time that notice would have been required.

b-1-b. The closure is due to a natural disaster or emergency.

LRB

APPROVED AS TO FORM

____________________________

Legislative Reference Bureau

Date: February 13, 2026

 ______________________

Attorney

IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE

IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE

____________________________

Office of the City Attorney

Date:  ______________________

Requestor

Drafter

LRB181172-2

Dave Gelting

February 12, 2026