Lawmakers Outline Possible Changes to Wisconsin Alcohol Regulations at Hearing on Tuesday
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM
(Raymond Neupert, WRN) A bill meant to overhaul the state's alcohol licensing and serving regulations got its first hearing at the Capitol on Tuesday.
A bill meant to overhaul the state's alcohol licensing and serving regulations got its first hearing at the Capitol on Tuesday. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says the measure will help ensure that Wisconsin's booming brewing and tavern industries have room to grow, while also being properly regulated. "It's more important than ever to modernize our alcohol beverage laws for the 21st century to ensure future continued success for all those impacted."
Items in the measure include a new Division of Alcohol in the Department of Revenue, statewide licensing of bartenders, and allowing breweries to sell their own beer without having to have a tap room or go through a distributor.
State Representative Rob Swearingen of Rhinelander says the bill is a full compromise from all sectors of the industry. "It is no easy task to get the players in the three-tier system all in one room, and all on the same page. And while this bill isn't great for everybody, it also is good for everybody."
The bill would create a new enforcement division inside the Department of Revenue, create statewide bartending permits, and allow for more direct sales by and at brewers and wineries.
Representative Swearingen says it's taken the better part of a decade for all of the participants to come to an agreement. "People like the Restaurant Association, the Tavern League, Molson Coors, the beer wholesalers, the wine wholesalers, the liquor, distributors, all of them have come to the table."
Changes contained in the bill include statewide licensing of bartenders, allowing breweries and wineries to directly sell their beverages without a tap room, and a brand new Division of Alcoholic Beverages at the Department of Revenue.
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