Beer and wine may be served and sold at certain types of events. A Temporary License must be obtained from the Clerk's Office prior to the event. The fee for the license is $10 for beer, wine or both.
Who may receive a temporary alcohol beverage license?
Only the following nonprofit organizations may receive a temporary alcohol beverage license (sec. 125.26(6), Wis. Stats.):
- bona fide clubs, whether incorporated or not, which own, lease, or occupy a building or portion thereof used exclusively for club purposes, which is operated solely for a recreational, fraternal, social, patriotic, political, benevolent or athletic purpose but not for pecuniary gain and which only sells alcohol beverages incidental to its operation
- local chambers of commerce organized under ch. 181, Wis. Stats. or a similar civic or trade organization organized under ch. 181, Wis. Stats., to promote economic growth and opportunity within a local geographical area
- state, county, or local fair associations or agricultural societies
- churches, lodges or societies that have been in existence for at least 6 months before the date of application
- posts of veterans organizations
What types of events are temporary alcohol beverage licenses used for?
Picnics and similar gatherings of limited duration are the types of events that may qualify to use a temporary alcohol beverage license (sec. 125.26(6), Wis. Stats.). Some examples of events where a temporary alcohol beverage license may be required include fundraisers, meetings of the post, picnics open to the public, fair booths, wine or beer walks, festivals, and more.
What activities are authorized under a temporary alcohol beverage license?
An organization that holds a temporary alcohol beverage license may sell, serve, and allow consumption of wine and/or beer at an event hosted by the organization on the premises approved by the municipal governing body. Organizations may host gatherings requiring an entrance fee to the event that includes service of alcohol beverages or may charge for the beer or wine by the glass. A chamber of commerce or similar trade organization may hold up to 20 temporary alcohol beverage licenses for purposes of organizing a wine or beer walk. Temporary alcohol beverage licenses do not authorize consumption or sale of distilled spirits. See Publication 309, Retail Alcohol Beverage Licensing Guide for Municipalities, and Publication 302, Information for Wisconsin Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Retailers, for more details.
A licensed City of Mequon bartender must be on site at all times. Individuals may apply for a Temporary Bartender License for the duration of their event (see application below)
*Please follow the directions closely and submit it to the Clerk's Office with ample time to process before your event(s).