1. ​When do the changes to public places and event venues that allow the consumption of alcohol beverages take effect?
2. I want to continue to rent/lease my venue for events where alcohol beverages are consumed after January 1, 2026. What are my options?
3. How do I apply for a No-Sale Event Venue Permit and what does this permit allow me to do?
4. I want to obtain a retail alcohol beverage license for my event venue. How do I obtain a license? What type of license do I need? How much do licenses cost?

1. When do the changes to public places and event venues that allow the consumption of alcohol beverages take effect?

   Changes related to event venues that allow the consumption of alcohol beverages are effective on January 1, 2026.

2. I want to continue to rent/lease my venue for events where alcohol beverages are consumed after January 1, 2026. What are my options?

   Your options are:

   • Obtain a No-Sale Event Venue Permit from the Division of Alcohol Beverages and limit the events where wine or beer are consumed to no more than 6 per calendar year and one per month, or:
   • Obtain a retail alcohol beverage license(s) from the municipality where your venue is located, or
   • Do not serve or allow consumption of alcohol beverages at events, thereby avoiding the need for a DAB permit or local license.
   
   

   See the Event Venue Operator Decision Tree.

3. How do I apply for a No-Sale Event Venue Permit and what does this permit allow me to do?

   The Division of Alcohol Beverages will issue No-Sale Event Venue Permits to qualified applicants on or after January 1, 2026. The application will be available on the DAB website in late 2025.

   The No-Sale Event Venue Permit will allow the property owner of an event venue to rent or lease their venue for events where fermented malt beverages (beer) and/or wine are consumed (distilled spirits may not be possessed or consumed at venues where a No-Sale Event Venue Permit has been issued). For more details about the authorizations and restrictions of a No-Sale Event Venue Permit, see Fact Sheet 3122, No-Sale Event Venue Permits.

4. I want to obtain a retail alcohol beverage license for my event venue. How do I obtain a license? What type of license do I need? How much do licenses cost?

   Retail alcohol beverage licenses are issued by municipalities. Applications should be made to your municipal clerk. For more information on license applications, types, and fees, contact your municipal clerk and review the following guidance documents:

   • Common Questions on 2023 Act 73 Event Venue Retail Licensing
   • Common Questions on Alcohol Beverage Laws for Retailers – Licenses
   • Publication 302 – Information for Wisconsin Alcohol Beverage Retailers
   • Fact Sheet 3101 – Licenses for Retail Sale of Alcohol Beverages
   • Fact Sheet 3110 – Selling, Donating, and Giving Away Alcohol Beverages

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of April 8, 2025: chapter 125 Wis. Stats.

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.