How do I get a Wisconsin Bartender License
You must obtain an operator (bartending) license from each municipality (city, town or village) you work in once you've passed our Wisconsin Alcohol Seller-Server course . You may work under the "immediate supervision" of another licensed bartender (or the licensee) without an operator's license.
- The city clerk typically issues an "operator or bartender license".
- The requirements differ per municipality.
- Search for your city's website here: TLWM
- Typically you do not need a job to receive a Bartender's license through the city clerk.
- If you have a criminal record (DUI or other) then the municipality will weigh the nature of the violation, the time that has elapsed since the violation, the person's overall record in the community, etc., in making that determination. See the above link to search for your city, or this page for more information about specific statewide rules .
The basic qualifications are:
- You must be of legal drinking age (21).
- You must have resided continuously in Wisconsin for at least 90 days prior to the application date.
- You must have a seller's permit issued by the Department of Revenue. Call (608) 266-2776.
- You must have completed a responsible beverage server training course.
A criminal record may prevent you from getting a license, see the municipality you want to work in below, ask the city clerk about specifics if they are not mentioned in the Bartender's License Instructions below.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Alcohol Server Training
Wisconsin Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Laws for Retailers
FAQs about Wisconsin Alcohol and Tobacco Laws
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities is a voluntary nonprofit and nonpartisan association of cities and villages working to advance municipal government. Established in 1898, the League acts as an information clearinghouse, lobbying organization and legal resource for Wisconsin municipalities.
This is a great article on social host liability regarding underage drinking in Wisconsin.
Listing of Tobacco Manufacturers and Brands that can be sold in Wisconsin . Check this to see if cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products can be sold legally in Wisconsin.
Municipalities
- Green Bay Bartender and Alcohol License Applications
- Kenosha Bartender and Alcohol License Instructions and Applications
- Madison Bartender and Alcohol License Applications
- Milwaukee Bartender and Alcohol License Applications
- Portage Bartender (Operators) License Instructions and Application
- Racine Bartender (Operators) License Instructions and Application
- Waukesha Bartending License Information
- Waunakee Bartender License Information
- Wisconsin Rapids Bartender License Information
- Appleton Bartender License Information and Application
- La Crosse Bartender License Information and Application
- Stevens Point Bartender License Information and Application
- Oshkosh Bartender License Information and Application
- Town of Washington Bartender License Information and Application
- Eau Claire Bartender License Information and Application
- West Allis Bartender License Information and Application
- Janesville Bartender License Information and Application
- Sheboygan Bartender License Information and Application
- Wauwatosa Bartender License Information and Application
- Fond du Lac Bartender License Information and Application
- Brookfield Bartender License Information and Application
- Wausau Bartender License Information and Application
- New Berlin Bartender License Information and Application
- Beloit Bartender License Information and Application
- Greenfield Bartender License Information and Application
- Manitowoc Bartender License Information and Application
- Menomonie Bartender License Information and Application
- Franklin Bartender License Information and Application
- Oak Creek Bartender License Information and Application
- West Bend Bartender License Information and Application
- Superior Bartender License Information and Application
- Dewey Bartender License Information and Application
- Neenah Bartender License Information and Application
- Delafield Bartender License Information and Application
- Richfield Bartender License Information and Application
- Muskego Bartender License Information and Application
- De Pere Bartender License Information and Application
- Fitchburg Bartender License Information and Application
- Bristol Bartender License Information and Application
- Marshfield Bartender License Information and Application
- Cudahy Bartender License Information and Application
- Germantown Bartender License Information and Application
- Ashwaubenon Bartender License Information and Application
- Menasha Bartender License Information and Application
- Pleasant Prairie Bartender License Information and Application
- Middleton Bartender License Information and Application
- Allouez Bartender License Information and Application
- Onalaska Bartender License Information and Application
- Greendale Bartender License Information and Application
- Whitefish Bay Bartender License Information and Application
- Shorewood Bartender License Information and Application
Click here to notify us of any broken links or if you want your city, town, or village listed here.
