The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature passed a bipartisan measure on Tuesday to overhaul the state’s liquor laws, creating new regulations for wedding barns, bartender licenses and craft breweries.
The measure, which passed the Senate in a 21-11 vote would create a new division within the state Department of Revenue to oversee and enforce liquor laws, according to the Associated Press. It would also require special event venues, such as wedding barns, to either either get a permit that would allow them to host events six times a year or no more than once a month — or obtain a liquor license that would allow them to sell alcohol at as many events as they wish.
While wedding barn operators objected to the changes, craft brewers cheered because the changes will allow them to sell liquor, wine and beers from out of state that were previously restricted as well has to sell their beer at additional retail locations.
Industry supporters told the state legislature in hearings where the changes were considered that the state’s liquor laws have not kept up with changes in the industry.
The Assembly passed the bill Tuesday evening in a 88-10 vote. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers who can veto it or sign it into law.
