Committee approves beer-and-wine license for District Pourhouse; liquor license deferred

The Ashwaubenon Public Works and Protection Committee on Jan. 1 approved a Class B beer and Class C wine license for District Pourhouse LLC, doing business as District Pourhouse, for a proposed location at 686 Mike McCarthy Way. The committee declined to grant the quota‑limited Class B liquor license at this meeting, citing state quota limitations and questions about whether the location meets the statutory 300 permanent‑seat exception.

Staff explained the business had been granted a combined Class B license at a prior location in 2023 but that license was not issued at that site and was later treated as invalid under village code where a granted license is not used for over 90 days. "Pursuant to village code, a license that is granted but not issued, or is issued but not used continuously in a manner, indicating an ongoing business for a period exceeding 90 days is presumed invalid and is subject to revocation," Joel said.

Owner April Smith told the committee District Pourhouse operates a self‑pour model that combines wristbands, RFID cards and backend reporting to track ounces per customer. "We start with our ID check and then we move into the wristbands... We also have a set number of ounces that are pre programmed into all of our RFID cards," Smith said, describing automated limits and reporting that can show how many ounces an individual consumed.

Co‑owner Tyler Smith said cocktails would be pre‑batched and dispensed from kegs, limiting overpouring, and described movable interior seating with an estimated seating capacity at the proposed location. The committee raised concerns that the proposed site does not meet the 300 permanent‑seat threshold required for the reserve Class B liquor exception under state statute, which would make the Class B liquor license subject to a municipal quota. The Chief noted enforcement concerns common to self‑pour venues and stressed the difficulty of monitoring large crowds despite technological safeguards.

To resolve the quota and capacity concerns, a committee member moved and the panel voted to approve a Class B beer and a Class C wine license (beer and wine only). Committee members encouraged the applicants to bring additional documentation to the Village Board meeting on Jan. 22, including seating floor plans, detailed attendance projections for peak events (Packer games, tournaments), and any vendor or partner documentation that demonstrates the volume or configuration of alcohol service. Staff clarified that issuing beer and wine would not affect the village's reserve liquor quota, whereas granting a Class B liquor license would.

The committee indicated the Village Board will consider the matter further on Jan. 22 if the applicants wish to pursue the reserve Class B liquor license later.