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Council holds first reading of ordinance to allow Class C wine licenses for certain retail businesses
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance to permit issuance of Class C wine licenses to qualifying retail establishments under changes in Wisconsin Act 73; the measure had a first reading and drew support from downtown business representatives.
The Waupaca Common Council held the first reading April 15 of an ordinance (Ord. No. 012025) that would amend the municipal code to allow certain retail establishments to obtain a Class C wine license under conditions aligned with Wisconsin Act 73.
City clerk and staff said Act 73, enacted in 2024, expanded the types of businesses eligible for Class C wine licenses. Under the proposed ordinance, a “retail establishment” would be defined as a business that primarily markets and sells goods to adults (for example, clothing, furniture, books or novelties) and would exclude businesses that primarily target minors or youth. The city finance director and clerk said the annual license fee would be $100, prorated for partial years, and that state rules would continue to require a licensed operator to be on the premises when alcohol is being served.
Local business leaders addressed the council in favor of the change. Todd Jones, chairman of the Waupaca King & In‑Between business group and a local business owner, urged council support, saying the ordinance “would go a long way for our local businesses to be in a position to offer an adult beverage” at events in their stores. Don Fisher, co‑owner of Panache, also spoke in support, saying it would help smaller boutiques host events more easily.
Councilmembers and staff discussed common questions raised by downtown merchants: whether a licensed operator must be present (yes, per state statute), whether wine purchases must go through a wholesaler (yes), and whether minors may be present (minors may be in the retail space for non‑alcohol retail activity). The council did not vote on the ordinance; a second reading is scheduled for the council’s first meeting in May.
Because this was a first reading, the council took no final action. Staff said they would attach a FAQ to the ordinance text and publish it on the city website to clarify licensing requirements for prospective applicants.
