Board approves conditional use permit for Barrel and Bottle tasting bar at former Pier 1

The Village Board voted to approve a conditional use permit for Barrel and Bottle LLC to occupy the former Pier 1 location in Germantown Plaza, allowing a roughly 10,500 square foot liquor store with a tasting bar and limited non‑distilling production on-site.

Planning staff (Jordan) described the proposal as a 10,500 square foot facility with limited production, office, storage and full restrooms, saying no exterior alterations or signage were proposed and that shared parking exists on-site. Staff said the underlying B-1 zoning does not list this exact use but that it is most similar to a tavern use and that plan commission recommended approval with nine conditions. Jordan told the board hours of operation would be Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Applicant representative Thomas Shippen told the board they were a non‑distilling operation: "We are non distilling producer. What that means is that we do not distill any products, but we buy our purchase products from other people, blend and and bottle on-site." He added they will bottle vodka and produce small liqueurs using local Wisconsin ingredients and that they will hold federal and state rectifier permits and apply for the state-issued full-service retail license required to operate.

Trustees welcomed the business to a long-vacant mall space and asked about licenses; staff clarified the licensing path and emphasized the CUP includes conditions to ensure proper state and local liquor licenses are obtained. The board approved the CUP by voice vote.