Committee signs off on full‑service retail permits for brewers/wineries tied to summer events

The Waukesha City Ordinance and Licensing Committee on May 12 approved city sign‑offs for several full‑service retail permit applications from brewers and wineries that plan to sell at summer events such as Tribute Tuesday and Jazz at Cutler Park.

City Attorney Bridal explained that state law recently changed and now requires brewers, wineries and distilleries to secure a full‑service retail permit to sell at more than one retail outlet or to sell products other than their own. The state issues the permit (Department of Revenue), but municipalities are required to sign off; cities may add restrictions or conditions if they choose. For the applications before the committee — for breweries/wineries identified in the packet (Aspen Sky LLC, Boehm and Hocking LLC, and Raised Grama Brewing Company LLC) — staff recommended city sign‑offs without additional municipal restrictions because the events, locations and times were specified on the applications.

Alderman Helvinsleben moved to approve the listed full‑service retail permit applications and Alderman Manion seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The approved applications will be forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for final issuance of the state permit. Committee members noted that sign‑off for these event‑based permits will be handled as a routine administrative confirmation unless future events raise concerns that warrant additional local conditions.