Creating the Division of Alcohol Beverages attached to the Department of Revenue; the regulation of alcohol beverages and enforcement of alcohol beverage laws; interest restrictions relating to, and authorized activities of, brewers, brewpubs, wineries, manufacturers, rectifiers, wholesalers, and retailers; shipping alcohol beverages by means of fulfillment houses and common carriers; the consumption of alcohol beverages in a public place; creating a no-sale event venue permit; creating an operator's permit; liquor licenses transferred from one municipality to another; retailers' authorized activities; liquor license quotas; the safe ride program; the presence of underage persons and conduct of other business on licensed premises; the occupational tax on alcohol beverages; repealing a rule promulgated by the Department of Revenue; granting rule-making authority; and providing a penalty. (FE)
The proposed changes will significantly impact state laws concerning the alcohol industry, including modifications to licensing requirements for various entities, such as breweries, wineries, and retailers. For instance, the bill eliminates the two-permit limit for liquor wholesalers, thereby allowing individuals more opportunities to engage in alcohol distribution and sales. Among other provisions, the bill introduces a new 'no-sale event venue permit' that municipalities can issue, enabling property owners to host events with alcohol consumption under specific conditions. Additionally, local governments will have increased flexibility in transferring liquor licenses and adjusting licensing quotas, facilitating the growth of businesses in the hospitality sector.
Senate Bill 332 aims to update and reform Wisconsin's alcohol beverage laws by establishing the Division of Alcohol Beverages within the Department of Revenue. This new division will handle all regulation and enforcement of alcohol laws, including the issuance of various permits and licenses related to production, distribution, and sales of alcohol beverages. By consolidating these functions under a single division, the bill aims to enhance efficiency and improve regulatory oversight in the alcohol industry in Wisconsin, fostering a more organized system for managing both local and out-of-state alcohol transactions.
Despite support from some industry stakeholders, the bill has raised concerns among advocates for stricter alcohol regulations and public safety. Critics argue that the expansion of retail sales authority for alcohol producers and the reduction of licensing restrictions may lead to increased alcohol accessibility and potential public health risks. Additionally, the provisions regarding the safe ride program surcharge and the increased closing hours for licensed establishments during high-profile events like national political conventions have attracted scrutiny regarding their implications for public safety. Finding a balance between supporting economic development within the alcohol sector while ensuring community safety will likely be a point of contention during discussions surrounding the bill.