On-Premise Liquor License (Class B)
Required for selling alcohol for consumption on the premises in Wisconsin (bars, restaurants, taverns). Wisconsin issues liquor licenses at the municipal level under Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Each municipality has a limited number of licenses (quota system) based on population. Class B licenses authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink; a separate Class B beer license is often also needed.
When Is a On-Premise Liquor License (Class B) Required?
- Bars and taverns
- Restaurants serving alcoholic beverages
- Hotels and resorts with bars
- Entertainment venues serving alcohol
When Is a On-Premise Liquor License (Class B) NOT Required?
- Businesses that don't serve alcohol
- Venues with only a beer/wine license (separate license category)
Related Permits You May Also Need
Required Licenses
The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.
On-Premise Liquor License (Class B) Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for on-premise liquor license (class b) permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $500-$1,500 | 6-10 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $750-$2,000 | 8-14 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $300-$1,000 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $400-$1,200 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| City of Racine | $350-$900 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Appleton | $300-$800 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $500-$1,500 | 6-10 weeks | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $300-$750 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $250-$700 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Janesville | $200-$600 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of West Allis | $315-$945 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $255-$765 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $240-$720 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $330-$990 | 6-10 weeks | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $234-$702 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $360-$1080 | 6-10 weeks | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $330-$990 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Beloit | $210-$630 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $315-$945 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Franklin | $324-$972 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $315-$945 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $216-$648 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of West Bend | $255-$765 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $285-$855 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $285-$855 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $216-$648 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Neenah | $240-$720 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Muskego | $315-$945 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $330-$990 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Mequon | $375-$1125 | 6-10 weeks | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $300-$900 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $210-$630 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $204-$612 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Superior | $195-$585 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of De Pere | $255-$765 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Menasha | $234-$702 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $204-$612 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Watertown | $216-$648 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $195-$585 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $270-$810 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Hartford | $225-$675 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $195-$585 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of Platteville | $174-$522 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
| City of River Falls | $216-$648 | 4-6 weeks | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — On-Premise Liquor License (Class B)
How do I get a liquor license in Wisconsin?
Apply to your municipal clerk's office. The application requires a background check, publication of your intent in the local newspaper, and approval by the municipal governing body (city council or village board). Wisconsin has a quota system — municipalities are limited in how many licenses they can issue based on population, so licenses may not always be available.
How much does a liquor license cost in Wisconsin?
The annual state fee for a Class B (on-premise) liquor license in Wisconsin is $500. Municipalities may charge an additional local fee, bringing the total to $500–$2,500 per year. However, the market value of a transferable license can be much higher — in cities with few available licenses, transfers can cost $50,000–$100,000+.
What is the quota system for liquor licenses in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin limits the number of Class B liquor licenses each municipality can issue to roughly 1 license per 500 residents (with variations). If all licenses are issued, new applicants must wait for one to become available or purchase a transferable license from an existing holder. Some municipalities have reserve licenses for restaurants or new developments.
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