November 14, 2025
To: Municipal Clerks
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), Division of Alcohol Beverages, would like to share the below information on the event venue alcohol beverage law implementation.
Background
The final provisions of 2023 Wisconsin Act 73 are to be implemented relate to event venues. Beginning January 1, 2026, event venues held out to the public for rent must obtain the appropriate alcohol beverage license or permit to allow consumption of alcohol beverages to take place. The Division of Alcohol Beverages (DAB) created application forms, updated guidance, and is offering a workshop for municipal clerks to learn about the impacts of these law changes on event venues in their communities.
Virtual Workshop
Join DAB for a Virtual Workshop:
Details
- In the workshop, we will provide a 30-minute presentation outlining the changes, followed by 30 minutes of audience driven Q&A related to the subject matter
- The session will be recorded and made available on the DOR's Alcohol Beverage web page
Forms
Forms for event venues to obtain a qualifying event venue certification or no-sale event venue permit from the Division of Alcohol Beverages are available on the department's website.
Timeline
No-Sale Event Venue Permits
- Event venues may apply using the official forms.
- Permits will be issued in the order the applications were received beginning on January 2, 2026
Qualifying Event Venue Certification
- Event venues may apply to the DAB for certification as a qualifying event venue using the official forms
- Certification letters will be issued in the order completed applications were received beginning on January 2, 2026
- Qualifying Event Venue Certification is only available for a limited time. Event Venues must provide Form AB-510,
Qualifying Event Venue Certification Application, in any state of completion, to the DAB
no later than March 2, 2026, to be eligible for certification
Updated Guidance
DOR's
Alcohol Beverage web page has a section in the top-right corner with guidance specifically for Event Venues. We will post updated and new guidance in that section no later than December 1, 2025.
Questions?
Contact us at DORAlcohol@wisconsin.gov.