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Wausau committee backs trial allowing city-run pop-up beer gardens, sends ordinance to council 3-2
Summary
The Public Health and Safety Committee voted 3-2 to forward an ordinance that would authorize city staff to sell malt beverages in city parks on a trial basis through Nov. 1, 2025, after heated debate over public-safety optics and local businesses' interests.
The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee voted 3-2 on April 21 to forward an ordinance change to the Common Council that would permit the city to allow malt beverage sales by city staff in parks on a trial basis through Nov. 1, 2025.
The ordinance change would amend the Wausau Municipal Code to create a new section authorizing city facilities and staff to operate temporary or permanent beer gardens in parks. Park Director Jamie described the idea as "meant to just kinda be a neighborhood gathering spot activity," saying the city would model a pilot on other municipalities and limit operations to short, family-focused windows such as "4 to 8 or 5 to 9." Jamie said the park department would plan protocols including wristbands and responsible-server training.
Opponents raised concerns about public-safety and optics. Committee member Becky said, "I'm not for this at all. We have enough alcohol problems in this city," and questioned whether it was appropriate for city staff to sell alcohol in spaces where children and families gather. The police chief acknowledged the tension but said controlled, staffed events could be managed safely and recommended reconvening after the season to evaluate operations.
Local tavern owners also weighed in. Tavern owner Matt Jordan called for partnership with local businesses and said a model that allowed licensed operators to participate or partner with the city would be preferable to crowd out brick-and-mortar establishments.
Committee members agreed to a one-season trial with an automatic sunset date of Nov. 1, 2025, and directed staff to bring the ordinance to the Common Council for final consideration. The committee recorded 3 yes votes and 2 no votes; the committee clerk said the item will go to council on April 29 with a mixed recommendation.
If the council approves the ordinance, the city and county will consider parallel actions: Jamie said the county would consider a matching ordinance to allow county-run beer gardens in county parks. The committee requested a one-year review in October to assess public-safety impacts, enforcement needs and effects on local businesses.
The committee did not adopt operational protocols at the meeting; it instructed staff to return with details on licensing boundaries, wristbanding, responsible-server training and possible coordination with licensed vendors.
