Division of Alcohol Beverages Liquor Auctions

Alcohol beverages owned, possessed, kept, stored, manufactured, sold, distributed, or transported i​​n violation of state law are considered contraband and may be lawfully seized by Special Agents in the Division of Alcohol Beverages. Once there is no longer an evidentiary or administrative reason fo​r the Division to maintain seized alcohol beverages, the product may be disposed of or sold by the Division through an auction pursuant to sec. 125.14(2)​, Wis. Stats.​

1. Who is eligible to bid on the auction?​​​
   

   Only individuals who hold a valid Wisconsin alcohol beverage license or permit authorizing them to buy and possess alcohol beverages are eligible to bid. Proof of a valid license or permit must be provided to the Division prior an entity taking possession of the auction lot.

2. ​What types of alcohol beverages are auctioned?
   

   Generally, only sealed ​intoxicating liquor products (distilled spirits and wine​) are placed into an auction lot. These items vary in their source, brand, rarity, bottle size, and many other factors. Fermented malt beverages (such as beer) with a shelf life are generally disposed of ​instead of auctioned.

3. How does the liquor auction process work?

   When a lot is available, the Division publishes a notice on this webpage under "Current ​Liquor Aucti​ons" ​​just below these questions, as well as ​in the Wisconsin State Journal. The notice announces that the Division is accepting bids and provides a date by which all bids must be received to be considered. ​
   

   Eligible bidders may place a single bid for the lot, using the DAB Liquor Auction Bid Form, below.​

   Bidders' alcohol beverage license or permit is verified by the Division. Bid amounts are not published. The lot is awarded to the highest bidder. Once an auction winner is determined, the winner must coordinate a pickup date and time within one month with the Division. The winner of the auction is provided with an itemized inventory of the alcohol beverages they have purchased from the Division. These records must be retained with other records required of an ​alcohol beverage licensee or permittee.

4. How do I sign up to receive notifications of DAB's alcohol beverage auctions?
   

   Sign up to receive notifications of alcohol beverage auctions using the DOR E-News service. Check "Liquor Auction" from the list, enter your preferred email in the box at the end of the news subscription options, and select "Subscribe."

Current Liquor Auction

Liquor Auction Resources​

• ​​Sign up for Liquor Auction notifications​
• For additional questions, contact Wisconsin Division of Alcohol Beverages at: DORLiquorAuction​@wisconsin.gov​​