Board Conditionally Recommends Producer Retail Sales License for Kirk Bangstad; One Supervisor Dissenting

The Minocqua Board on June 21 voted to conditionally recommend approval of a Producer Full-Service Retail Sales application (Form AB-105) for Kirk Bangstad to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The recommendation is contingent on DOR confirmation that the applicant complies with a DOR brewer’s license and includes three board-recommended conditions: compliance with the applicant’s Oneida County Conditional Use Permit, no gaming machines or gambling devices on site, and no stocking or sales of intoxicating liquor other than beer or wine.

During discussion, Attorney Fred Melms noted that wine had been sold previously and that "this statute is less than a year old," clarifying the state-level change framing the board’s advisement role. Melms also observed that, "per State statute a brewer cannot hold a Class B or C liquor license in WI," underscoring the distinction between the state producer authorization and locally issued Class B/C liquor licenses. Chairman Mark Hartzheim told the board the state would enforce the authorization under the brewer’s license framework.

The motion to recommend conditional approval was made by Supervisor Billy Fried and seconded by Supervisor Lance Krolczyk. The motion carried by voice vote with Supervisor Brian Fricke recorded as voting nay. The board requested that the conditional recommendation be forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue with the stated conditions and a request to confirm compliance with the DOR brewer’s license.