Germantown plan commission approves Barrel and Bottle liquor store with tasting bar at Germantown Plaza

The Village of Germantown Plan Commission approved a conditional‑use permit on July 13 for Barrel and Bottle LLC to operate a roughly 10,540‑square‑foot liquor store with a tasting bar and limited non‑distilling operations at the former Pier 1 Imports in Germantown Plaza.

Jordan, planning staff, told commissioners the proposal fits the B‑1/Planned Development district and that staff had classified the tasting‑bar use as most similar to a tavern requiring a CUP; staff recommended approval subject to nine conditions and proper state and local liquor licensing. Jordan also said the operation would function under Wisconsin’s Class D distillery permit framework and cited Wisconsin Statute 125.52 for on‑site tasting and consumption.

The applicant, Emily Abel of Barrel and Bottle LLC, said the Germantown location would be a stand‑alone store and that the business has partners on the East Coast who handle much of the production. Abel told the commission, “At no time will we ever be distilling on‑site,” and confirmed the facility’s footprint and hours — approximately 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Chair called for a public hearing and asked for in‑person or Webex comment; no members of the public spoke. After staff questions and brief applicant answers about distilling and operations, Commissioner S8 made the motion to approve the CUP subject to the nine conditions in the staff packet; S9 seconded. The commission approved the motion on a voice vote and the chair welcomed the new business to Germantown.

The action permits the applicant to pursue the local approvals and licensing required to operate under state law; the approval is conditioned on the items listed in the staff report and securing the applicable liquor licenses. The village clerk and licensing authorities will process any required permits and licenses before the business opens.