City Council approves three alcohol licenses, all pass unanimously

FOND DU LAC, Wis. — The Fond du Lac City Council unanimously approved three alcohol-related licenses during its March 12, 2025 meeting, granting business-specific permissions contingent on standard building- and state-level requirements.

The approvals included a Class C wine license request from LA Nails LLC to serve wine to customers over 21 during on-premises service, a Class B fermented malt license for Wisco Cheese and Cheers LLC to operate a restaurant conversion at part of 362 North Peters Ave., and full Class B intoxicating liquor and Class B fermented malt licenses for Fond du Lac Beer Co., LLC at 21 Fourth Street Court. Each motion passed unanimously following brief introductions by City Clerk Miss Hefter and routine staff recommendations for approval.

The three approvals were procedural and drew minimal council discussion beyond staff summaries and a single expression of local interest for the brewery. Miss Hefter told the council that background checks had been completed for officers and agents and that city staff and the alcohol license committee recommended approval in each case; she also noted that the Wisco Cheese and Cheers license would not be issued until the applicant met all city building codes and received occupancy clearance.

Laura DeGaulier, speaking earlier in the meeting about a separate topic, did not address the licenses. Councilmember Miss Leering commented during the Fond du Lac Beer Company item, "I have to agree. I've heard Fond Du Lac is, I think, the largest city that doesn't currently have a brewery," noting local interest in the new business.

Votes at a glance: - LA Nails LLC — Class C wine license (agent Leon Nguyen, business address 459 West Johnson St., Suite A). Motion by Councilmember Tom Schussler, second by Councilmember Zimmerman; outcome: approved unanimously. - Wisco Cheese and Cheers LLC — Class B fermented malt license (agent Melissa Jacobson, business address 362 North Peters Ave., Suite B). Motion by Councilmember Mullen, second by Councilmember Godfrey; outcome: approved unanimously (license issuance contingent on meeting building code/occupancy). - Fond du Lac Beer Co., LLC — Class B intoxicating liquor and Class B fermented malt license (agent Michael Lehi, business address 21 Fourth Street Court). Motion by Councilmember Zimmerman, second by Councilmember Heisler; outcome: approved unanimously.

The council’s approvals implement recent city code changes that align local licensing rules with state law allowing certain retailers to obtain a Class C wine license for limited on-premises service hours. The Fond du Lac Beer Company also intends to apply for a brew pub permit from the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue Division of Alcohol Beverages in addition to the city licenses.

No motions failed or were tabled on these items. The council moved on after the routine votes to other agenda items.