Temporary Class "B"/"Class B" Retailer's License Application (Picnic License)

Please Note: The State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue has created new applications. These must be submitted to the clerk's office 15 days before the next Council meeting.

Allows for the retail sale of fermented malt beverages and/or wine to consumers at a picnic, meeting, or similar gathering of limited duration. Licenses may be issued only to "bona fide clubs, churches, lodges or societies that have been in existence for at least six months, and to veterans organizations. Examples include church festivals, Chamber of Commerce functions, etc. An agent must be named for the event, please fill out the Appointment of Agent and a Individual Questionnaire for every officer, director, and agent along with the application below.

Applications must be filed 15 days prior to the governing bodies approval. The proceeds of the sale of alcohol should substantially benefit the applicant organization.

$10 per event, $7 background check fee (for every officer, director, and agent listed)

AB 220f Picnic Beer/Wine Application

Appointment of Agent

Individual Questionnaire

Wisconsin Liquor Permit listings (Wholesaler list)

DOR Fact Sheet on Alcohol Sales

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a Temporary Alcohol License?

• Submit the completed application to the clerk of the municipality in which you are applying for a license.

• Submit a separate application for each temporary event. One application may be used to apply for a temporary event that occurs multiple times at the same premises.

• License applications must be filed with the municipal clerk at least 15 days before they can be approved by the governing body.

• Include the following forms with your license application:
◦ Form AB-100, Alcohol Beverage Individual Questionnaire for all officers, directors, and agent of the nonprofit organization
◦ Form AB-101, Alcohol Beverage Appointment of Agent
◦ Payment for license and background check fees, as required by your municipality
◦ Any other information and documents required by your municipality

Category: Temporary Alcohol Beverage License

Who may receive a Temporary Alcohol Beverage License?

Only the following nonprofit organizations may receive a temporary alcohol beverage license (sec. 125.26(6), Wis. Stats.):
•bona fide clubs, whether incorporated or not, which own, lease, or occupy a building or portion thereof used exclusively for club purposes, which is operated solely for a recreational, fraternal, social, patriotic, political, benevolent or athletic purpose but not for pecuniary gain and which only sells alcohol beverages incidental to its operation
•local chambers of commerce organized under ch. 181, Wis. Stats. or a similar civic or trade organization organized under ch. 181, Wis. Stats., to promote economic growth and opportunity within a local geographical area
•state, county, or local fair associations or agricultural societies
•churches, lodges or societies that have been in existence for at least 6 months before the date of application
•posts of veterans organizations

Category: Temporary Alcohol Beverage License

Who needs an alcohol beverage license?

Any individual or entity that wants to sell alcohol beverages to consumers or allow consumption in a public place must get an alcohol beverage license (sec. 125.09(1), Wis. Stats.).

Category: Temporary Alcohol Beverage License

What types of events are temporary alcohol beverage licenses used for?

Picnics and similar gatherings of limited duration are the types of events that may qualify to use a temporary alcohol beverage license (sec. 125.26(6), Wis. Stats.). Some examples of events where a temporary alcohol beverage license may be required include fundraisers, meetings of the post, picnics open to the public, fair booths, wine or beer walks, festivals, and more.

Category: Temporary Alcohol Beverage License

What activities are authorized under a temporary alcohol beverage license?

An organization that holds a temporary alcohol beverage license may sell, serve, and allow consumption of wine and/or beer at an event hosted by the organization on the premises approved by the municipal governing body. Organizations may host gatherings requiring an entrance fee to the event that includes service of alcohol beverages or may charge for the beer or wine by the glass. A chamber of commerce or similar trade organization may hold up to 20 temporary alcohol beverage licenses for purposes of organizing a wine or beer walk. Temporary alcohol beverage licenses do not authorize consumption or sale of distilled spirits. See Publication 309, Retail Alcohol Beverage Licensing Guide for Municipalities, and Publication 302, Information for Wisconsin Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Retailers, for more details.

Any profit from the sale of alcohol should substantially benefit the applicant organization.

Beer or Wine must be purchased from a Wisconsin permitted wholesaler (list of these can be found on this page or on the DOR website)

Category: Temporary Alcohol Beverage License

Supporting Documents

Temporary Beer and/or Wine License Information (157 KB)

Temporary Class B Beer and/or Wine License Application (159 KB)

AB 100 Individual Questionnaire (181 KB)

AB 101 Appointment of Agent (201 KB)

Selling, Donating, and Giving Away Alcohol Beverages (103 KB)

Wine or Beer Walks (106 KB)

Alcohol Beverage Service and Sales at Unlicensed Retail Establishments, Including Salons, Spas, and Barbershops (57 KB)

Alcohol Beverage Carry-ins (40 KB)