Liquor License Costs in Wisconsin
Liquor license fees in Wisconsin range from $100 to $1,000 per year depending on the municipality and license class. Application and background check fees are additional.
A On-Premise Liquor License (Class B) in Wisconsin costs between $100 and $1,000, with a state average of $500. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- License class (Class A retail, Class B bar/restaurant, Class C wine)
- Municipality and local fee schedule
- Initial application fee vs. annual renewal fee
- Background check and investigation fees
- Population-based license availability
Cost by Municipality
On-Premise Liquor License (Class B) fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | Class B liquor license $500/year. Application/investigation fee $150–$300 additional. Limited availability — Milwaukee has a quota based on population. | At average |
| City of Madison | Class B liquor license $500–$750/year. Application fee $150 additional. License committee meets monthly. Alcohol license density limits apply in some areas. | At average |
| City of Green Bay | Class B liquor license $300–$500/year. Application fee $100–$200. Fewer availability constraints than Milwaukee and Madison. | -40% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Class B liquor license $300–$500/year. Application and background check fee $100–$200. | -40% below avg |
| City of Racine | Class B liquor license $250–$500/year. Application fee $100–$150. License committee reviews monthly. | -50% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Class B liquor license $300–$500/year. Application fee $100. Population-based quota applies. | -40% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | Class B liquor license $350–$500/year. Application/investigation fee $150–$250. | -30% below avg |
| City of Oshkosh | Class B liquor license $250–$400/year. Application fee $75–$150. Less competitive quota than larger cities. | -50% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many liquor licenses are available in my Wisconsin city?
Wisconsin law limits the number of Class B liquor licenses each municipality can issue to 1 per 500 residents (or fraction thereof). Municipalities can also issue reserve licenses for certain circumstances. In larger cities like Milwaukee and Madison, available licenses are scarce and there may be a waiting list. Some municipalities allow a quota exception for restaurants where food sales exceed 50% of total revenue.
Can I transfer a liquor license in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin liquor licenses are non-transferable between people — they are issued to a specific person or entity for a specific premises. When a bar or restaurant changes ownership, the new owner must apply for their own license. However, the license remains associated with the premises in some respects, making it easier (but not automatic) for a new owner to obtain a license for an existing licensed location.
What is a Class B picnic license in Wisconsin?
A Class B picnic license is a temporary alcohol permit for special events, festivals, and picnics. Any municipality, organization, or group can apply for up to 15 picnic licenses per year. The fee is typically $10 per event per day. This is separate from a regular Class B license and is much easier to obtain. Applications are processed through the municipal clerk's office.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.