Alcohol Ordinance
Section 132-1 State statutes adopted.
A. Chapter 125. The provisions of Chapter 125, Wisconsin Statutes, relating to the sale of
intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages, and any subsequent amendments, exclusive of
any provisions thereof relating to the penalty to be imposed or the punishment for violation of
such statutes, are adopted and made a part of this Chapter by reference. The city further elects
that retail “Class B” licenses shall be issued under Wis. Stats. Section 125.51(3)(b) rather than
under Wis. Stats. Section 125.51(3)(a).
B. The provisions of Section 139.08(4), Wisconsin Statutes, authorizing inspection for
enforcement of Chapters 125 and 139, Wisconsin Statutes, during all reasonable hours, and
Section 139.22, Wisconsin Statutes, authorizing seizure of alcohol beverages which violate
Sections 139.01 to 139.25 and Chapter 125, Wisconsin Statutes, are adopted and made part of
this Chapter by reference.
C. Penalty for Violation of This Chapter. Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation who
violates any part of this Chapter shall be subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions in
Section 1-4 of this Code of Ordinances.
Section 132-2 License fees.
A. Licenses and permits may be issued by the City Clerk under the authority of the Common
Council after payment of the appropriate fees, which when so issued shall permit the holder to
sell, deal or traffic in alcohol beverages as provided in Ch. 125, Wis. Stats.
B. Fees for the above-noted licenses and permits shall be in such amount as may be
established by the Common Council from time to time by separate Resolution.
C. Any applicable publication fee and/or application fee and/or investigation fee shall be
submitted with the license or permit application as may be established by the Common Council
from time to time by separate Resolution.
D. The fees for licenses or permits which are not granted shall be refunded after deducting
the application fee and all actual publication fees and investigation fees.
E. Fees for partial licensing years may be prorated at the discretion of the Common Council,
except when State law requires prorated fees. In all cases when in its discretion the Common
Council issues an alcohol beverage license for a partial year, a minimum fee of $25 and all actual
publication fees and investigation fees must be paid.
F. Once any license or permit is issued, no return of any payment shall be made regardless
of whether the license or permit is used for the entire year.
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G. The fee for regular, provisional, and temporary operator's licenses shall be set by a
Resolution approved by the Common Council.
H. Regular operator's licenses issued under this Chapter shall expire biennially on June 30 of
each year.
I. A provisional operator's license issued under this Chapter shall expire 60 days after its
issuance or when a regular operator's license is issued to the holder, whichever is earlier.
Provisional operator's licenses shall not be renewed.
J. Temporary operator's licenses issued under this Chapter shall be valid for any period
from one day to 14 days, and the period for which it is valid shall be Stated on the license.
Section 132-3 Background checks.
A. The city conducts a background check on every applicant. There is an additional fee for
the background check. If you have not lived in Wisconsin any time in the five years before
applying, you will be charged an additional amount for background checks in each of those
States.
B. Upon receipt of a license application under the provisions of this Chapter, the City Clerk-
Treasurer shall forward a copy of the application to the appropriate Departments to conduct an
investigation of the applicant(s) as set forth below.
C. All alcohol beverage licenses. The Police Department, Fire Department, Health
Department, and Building Inspector and other persons authorized may conduct an investigation
and inspection of the premises mentioned in the application, to determine if the premises
complies with all applicable regulations, ordinances and laws. The Police Department shall
perform a driver's history and criminal record check for all persons included in the application,
both new and renewal.
D. In determining the suitability of an applicant, consideration shall be given to the
appropriateness of the location and premises where such licensed business is to be conducted and
the best interest of the City’s economic health and welfare.
Section 132-4 Premises license application.
A. Application for a license to sell or deal in alcohol beverages shall be made in writing on
the form prescribed by Section 125.04(3), Wisconsin Statutes, and shall be filed, together with
the cost of publication as provided by Resolution of the Common Council with the City Clerk
not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the granting of the license. Applications for licenses to be
issued under Sections 125.26(6) and 125.51(10), Wisconsin Statutes, (picnic) shall be filed with
the City Clerk at least four weeks before the event, unless the same event has been approved
previously, but even in those instances not less than five business days prior to the event.
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B. Provisional Premises. The City Clerk is the official who grants or revokes a provisional
retail license.
C. Temporary Class “B” (Fermented Malt Beverage) and “Class B”—Wine (Picnic
License). The City Clerk-Treasurer or designee is authorized to issue temporary Class "B"
(picnic) beer licenses and temporary "Class B" (picnic) wine licenses pursuant to Section
125.26(1) and 125.51(1)(a), Wis. Stats. The licenses may be issued only to bona fide clubs and
chambers of commerce, to county or local fair associations or agricultural societies, to churches,
lodges or societies that have been in existence for at least six months before the date of
application, and to posts of veterans' organizations authorizing the sale of fermented malt
beverages at a particular picnic or similar gathering, at a meeting of the post, or during a fair
conducted by the fair association or agricultural society. The fee for such license shall be
established by the governing body, but may not exceed $10.
D. Timing for Premises Applications for “Class B” Licenses.
1. Applicants may apply for a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license no more than ninety
(90) days before occupancy and opening. This subsection does not apply to temporary
licenses issued under Section 125.51(10), Wisconsin Statutes.
2. Upon the granting of a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license, the licensee shall meet
all conditions set forth in Chapter 125, Wisconsin Statutes, and the Muskego Municipal
Code and pay the license fee, prior to issuance of the license, within ninety (90) days of
filing the application with the City Clerk. Failure to do so is grounds for revocation of the
license. This provision does not apply to premises where operation is delayed by
construction lasting ninety (90) days or more as verified by the inspection services
department as provided in subsection (D)(3) of this section.
3. a. For premises construction that will take more than ninety (90) days, an
applicant may, after receiving approval of its plan and method of operation from the
Common Council, apply for a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license. The Common
Council may grant the license with the condition that it will not be issued until the
applicant meets the qualifications set forth in Chapter 125, Wisconsin Statutes, and the
Muskego Municipal Code, pays the licensee fee, receives an occupancy permit pursuant
to Section 164-13, and receives Fire Department approval. No application will be
considered under this provision unless it is accompanied by a construction timeline and
the inspection services department verifies the accuracy of the timeline. The construction
timeline shall include the time frame for installation of footings and foundation, framing,
roofing, plumbing and electrical systems, flooring, and fixtures, as well as a projected
date for the issuance of an occupancy permit.
b. No such license granted under subsection (3)(a) of this section may be
renewed unless the Inspection Services Department verifies, in its sole discretion, that
construction is occurring in a manner consistent with the timeline submitted with the
licensee’s initial application. If the Department determines that construction is not
occurring in a manner consistent with the Code grounds shall exist for revocation or
nonrenewal of the license.
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c. If a license has been granted under subsection (3)(a) of this section, the
licensee shall meet all conditions set forth in Chapter 125, Wisconsin Statutes, and the
Muskego Municipal Code, obtain an occupancy permit, receive approval from the Fire
Department, and pay the license fee within eighteen (18) months of the date of the initial
granting of the license. Failure to do so is grounds for revocation of the license. If the
Common Council finds that good cause exists, it may grant the licensee one extension of
sixty (60) days to meet the aforementioned qualifications upon written request of the
licensee filed with the clerk.
Section 132-5 Provisional retail licenses.
A. A provisional retail license may be issued only to a person who has applied for a Class “A",
Class “B", “Class A", “Class B" or “Class C" license and authorizes only the activities that the
type of retail license applied for authorizes.
B. A provisional retail license expires 60 days after its issuance or when the Class “A", Class
“B", “Class A", “Class B" or “Class C" license is issued to the holder, whichever is sooner. The
official who issued the provisional retail license may revoke the license if he or she discovers
that the holder of the license made a false Statement on the application.
C. No person may hold more than one provisional retail license for each type of license applied
for by the holder per year.
Section 132-6 Restrictions on operation of licensed premises once license has
been granted.
A. The licensee shall conduct the sale of all alcohol products in conformance with Chapters
125 and 139, Wisconsin Statutes.
B. Inspection and Search. Every applicant procuring a license thereby consents to the entry
of police or other duly authorized representatives of the city at all reasonable hours for the
purpose of inspection and search.
C. Safety and sanitation requirements. Each licensed premises shall be maintained and
conducted in a sanitary manner and shall be a safe and proper place for the purpose being used.
D. Gambling prohibited. Gambling shall not be permitted on a licensed premises, unless
authorized by State law. Slot machines or other devices of chance are prohibited and shall not be
kept on the premises, unless authorized by State law.
E. Sale to intoxicated persons prohibited. No licensee, agent, operator or server shall sell,
give, procure or otherwise furnish any alcohol beverages to an intoxicated person.
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F. Underage persons. No licensee shall employ any underage person to serve, sell, dispense,
or give away an alcohol beverage unless authorized by State Law or the general Codes of the
Municipality. The current and future provisions of Section 125.10(2) and Section 125.07(4)(a),
(b) or (bm), 125.085(3)(b) and 125.09(2), Wis. Stats., are adopted and made a part of this section
by reference. A violation of any such provision shall constitute a violation of this section. Any
future amendments, revisions, modifications or additions of the Statutes incorporated herein are
intended to be made part of this Chapter in order to secure uniform Statewide regulation of
alcohol beverages in this State.
G. Disorderly Conduct Prohibited.
1. Each licensed premises shall be conducted in an orderly manner and no disorderly,
riotous or indecent conduct shall be allowed at any time on any licensed premises.
2. It is unlawful for any licensee, or manager or agent of the licensee, to permit any
employee, entertainer or patron to engage in or exhibit on the licensed premises any adult
entertainment which requires a license under Chapter 124 of the general Code. Any
licensee who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to liquor license
suspension, revocation or nonrenewal as provided by Sections 125.10(1) and 125.12(1),
Wisconsin Statutes.
H. Structural Alterations Prohibited Without Approval. No structural alteration which
creates an expansion of or changes to the licensed area shall be permitted without approval of the
Finance Committee and Common Council.
I. If a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license issued hereunder is not used within thirty (30)
days after its issuance or its usage is discontinued for a period of thirty (30) days or more, such
situation is grounds for revocation of the license.
J. No alcohol may be sold or served through a drive-thru window.
Section 132-7 Operator’s (bartender’s) license—Requirements.
A. Applicants for an operator’s license are required to complete an application on a form
provided by the Clerk’s office.
B. The City Clerk is directed to provide each applicant a copy of the standards the Finance
Committee and Common Council utilizes in granting licenses.
C. Operator’s Licenses.
1. Pursuant to Section 125.17(1), Wisconsin Statutes, the City Clerk may issue an
operator’s license for any applicant who is qualified under Section 125.04(5), Wisconsin
Statutes, and has not been charged, ticketed, cited, or arrested for any violation of the
violations enumerated in Section 111.335, Wisconsin Statutes.
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2. Operator’s licenses are valid for two years upon issuance, except that each license
shall be deemed to have been issued July 1st and shall expire on June 30th of the second
year.
3. If the City Clerk denies the license due to a criminal conviction, the Clerk will follow
the procedure enumerated in Wis. Stat. Section 111.335(4)(c), by describing how the
criminal record relates to the particular licensed activity, and allow the applicant to show
evidence of rehabilitation and fitness to engage in the activity. Pursuant to Wis. Stat.
Section 111.335(4)(c)2. the City Clerk does not need to furnish a written Statement if the
criminal conviction is an exempt offense as defined by Wis. Stat. Section 111.335(1m) or
Wis. Stat. Section 111.335(4)(h).
4. If the City Clerk denies the license due to an incomplete application then the applicant
will be notified of the deficiency.
D. Provisional License.
1. The City Clerk is the official charged with issuing and revoking a provisional
operator’s license. A provisional license requires an additional fee.
2. Standards for provisional license:
a. The applicant has applied for an operator’s license;
b. No provisional operator’s license may be issued to a person who has been
previously denied or had an operator’s license revoked by the City Clerk or
Common Council in the twelve (12) months prior to applying for the provisional
license.
c. The applicant must provide evidence of completion or enrollment in
responsible beverage server course.
d. The applicant has a certified copy of a license issued by another municipality.
Section 132-8 Temporary licenses
A. Authority to issue temporary operator's licenses. Temporary operator's licenses may be
granted to individuals by the City Clerk or Common Council pursuant to Section 125.17(4), Wis.
Stats. for the purpose of allowing said individuals to dispense and serve alcohol beverages under
a license issued under Section 125.26(6) or 125.51(10), Wis. Stats. No person may hold more
than two licenses of this kind per year.
B. Granting of temporary operator's licenses. All requirements pertaining to qualifications,
investigation and granting of a regular operator's license shall apply to a temporary operator's
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license except that the applicant does not need to show proof of completion or enrollment in a
Responsible Beverage Server Course.
Section 132-9 Transfer of licenses.
A. The transfer of every alcohol beverage license shall be governed by Section 125.04(12),
Wis. Stats.
B. No transfer of an operator's license is permitted.
C. If the transfer is approved by the Common Council pursuant to Section 125.04(12)(b)4,
Wis. Stats., all conditions set forth under this Chapter shall be complied with.
D. Failure to conform to the terms of license transfer shall be grounds for denial, suspension
or revocation of license.
Section 132-10 Sales and use of fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquor
on public property and parking lots prohibited.
A. No person shall consume or sell any alcohol beverage in or upon any of the following,
except as provided in subsection (C) of this section:
1. Any public street, alley, sidewalk, street crossing, bridge, public playground, public
park or public parking lot unless approved by the designated City personnel with such
authority.
2. Any premises held out to the public for the use of their motor vehicles whether such
premises are publicly or privately owned. This shall include the parking lots of all alcohol
beverage licensees or permittees.
This prohibition shall not apply to community functions or events authorized by the
Mayor or designee.
B. All purchases of alcohol beverages by the glass or in open containers shall be consumed
on the licensed premises where served and shall not be removed to any of the places described in
subsection (A) of this section.
C. Regulation of Online Sales on Licensed Premises.
1. Definitions.
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a. “Licensed operator” shall mean any person who is authorized to serve or sell
alcohol beverages, pursuant to Sections 125.32(2) and 125.68(2), Wisconsin
Statutes.
b. “Online” shall mean a website or application or any other electronic or
telecommunication means.
c. “Order pickup program” means the sale or transaction and the pickup or
delivery to a vehicle of an order for retail products, including food and beverages,
placed online at an establishment licensed under this Chapter.
2. No establishment shall allow alcohol beverages ordered online to be picked up
through an order pickup program without obtaining a license or premises amendment as
set forth herein.
3. Prior to initiating an order pickup program, all applicants shall file a detailed plan of
operation with the City Clerk for the order pickup program which is separate from the
plan and method of operation required under Chapter 400 of this Code (Zoning). Current
licensees shall file the plan with a request to amend their premises description. New
license applicants shall file the plan with their original application. The plan of operation
shall include:
a. A description in detail how the order pickup program will function;
b. A drawing of the entire premises to scale with the areas for the order pickup
program designated on the drawing along with their dimensions.
c. The licensee’s or applicant’s protocol and policies for assuring that underage
persons and intoxicated persons do not pick up alcohol ordered online;
d. The licensee’s or applicant’s information on the equipment, policies, and
protocols to ensure that licensed operators complete the sale and pickup;
e. Whether the licensee or applicant intends to hold tasting events in the order
pickup area;
f. The pickup hours; and
g. Whether the licensee or applicant intends to have a waiting period between
order time and pickup time.
4. All completed applications that meet the requirements of subsection (C)(3) of this
section shall be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration. Upon considering
the application, the Finance Committee shall inform the Muskego Common Council of its
recommendation, if any, in regard to the amendment or application. The Common
Council shall determine whether the application shall be granted or denied. After
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approval of the application by the Common Council, the City Clerk shall issue to the
applicant an amended license or license, subject to the requirements of this Chapter.
5. Any alteration, change, or addition to the application or plan of operation shall be
referred to the Finance Committee and approved by the Common Council. The Common
Council may change all or part of the plan of operation or may impose additional
requirements to address problems created by the licensee’s operation. No licensee shall
alter, change, or add to its application or plan of operation without the Common
Council’s approval.
6. All online order pickup programs involving alcohol beverages shall comply with the
following:
a. The sale shall be consummated in a face-to-face transaction on the licensed
premises, and payment may not be completed until the purchaser is at the licensed
premises.
b. A licensed operator employed by the alcohol beverage licensee shall verify
that the purchaser’s photo identification is valid and shows that the purchaser is
twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
c. The licensed establishment shall utilize a payment transaction system that
allows the alcohol beverage portion of the transaction to be denied without
affecting the sale of the remainder of items ordered online, if any.
d. The licensed establishment shall capture and retain an image of the vehicle
into which a pickup order involving the sale of alcohol beverages is being loaded
for thirty (30) days. Such images shall be made available to the Muskego Police
Department or another law enforcement agency upon request.
e. The licensed establishment shall record and retain the following information
for thirty (30) days. Such information shall be made available to the Muskego
Police Department or another law enforcement agency upon request:
i. The name of the purchaser.
ii. The type of identification card presented and the number and
expiration date of that identification card.
iii. The purchaser’s date of birth.
iv. The license plate of the vehicle into which the order is loaded.
f. Order pickup shall be in accordance with closing hours pursuant to Sections
125.32(3)(b) and 125.68(4)(b), Wisconsin Statutes, respectively.
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g. If the alcohol beverage purchaser is not the driver of the vehicle into which
the order is being loaded or delivered, the licensed operator shall verify the driver
is twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
h. The online order pickup area shall be clearly defined with visible markings,
signs and/or barriers.
i. The licensee and licensed operator shall comply with the provisions of
Chapter 125, Wisconsin Statutes, and the Muskego Municipal Code.
7. Penalty. Any licensee or person who violates any provision of this subsection shall
be subject to a forfeiture of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00), nor more
than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), plus court costs and fees. Each and every day
during which a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense. Licensees are also subject
to suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal of their alcohol beverage license or operator’s
license.
Section 132-11 Suspension and revocation.
A. A violation of this Chapter by a duly authorized agent or employee of a licensee or permit
holder shall constitute a violation by the licensee or permit holder. Whenever the holder of any
license or permit under this Chapter shall violate any provision of this Chapter, proceedings for
the revocation or suspension of such license or permit may be instituted in the manner and under
the procedure established by Section 125.12, Wisconsin Statutes, and the provision therein
relating to granting a new license shall likewise be applicable.
B. Pursuant to Sections 945.03(2m), 945.04(2m) and 945.041(11), Wisconsin Statutes, no
Class “B” or “Class B” license shall be suspended, revoked or denied renewal for possession of
up to five video gambling machines on such premises.
Section 132-12 Severability.
If any section or provision of this Chapter shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, such decision shall apply only to the specific section or
portion thereof directly specified in the decision and shall not affect the validity of any other
provisions, sections, or portions thereof of this Chapter. The remainder of the Chapter shall
remain in full force and effect.
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