Money Control Place
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Stocks
  • Investing
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Stocks
  • Investing

Money Control Place

Politics

Wedding barn regulations, liquor law overhaul win bipartisan support in Wisconsin Legislature

by June 16, 2023
June 16, 2023
Wedding barn regulations, liquor law overhaul win bipartisan support in Wisconsin Legislature

A proposal to regulate wedding barns in Wisconsin as part of an overhaul of the state’s liquor laws won bipartisan support Thursday, advancing as the Republican-controlled Legislature moves swiftly to enact the sweeping bill.

An Assembly committee voted 12-2 to pass the measure just two days after a public hearing at which owners of wedding barns across the state said the proposed changes would put them out of business. The bill, which has been years in the making, was brought by Republican legislative leaders and agreed to by stakeholders with a wide array of interests. It affects every level of the state’s alcohol industry — governing the licensing, producing, selling and distribution of beer, wine and liquor.

The bill also attempts to resolve questions about primarily rural facilities that host weddings and other events where alcohol is served. The facilities, which have grown in popularity in recent years and operated in a legal gray area, currently do not need a liquor license to operate.

Under the bill, wedding barns that host more than six events a year would have to obtain a Class B liquor license, which would allow them to serve beer, wine and liquor.

Lawmakers on the Assembly’s state affairs committee on Thursday dismissed concerns brought by some wedding barn owners that the requirements were too onerous.

‘This bill is not going to put anyone out of business,’ said Republican Rep. Michael Schraa. ‘They just have to change their business model a little bit.’

Committee chair, Republican Rep. Rob Swearingen, said wedding barns were the ‘wild west’ and needed to be regulated in the name of public safety.

‘We’re talking about beverage: alcohol,’ he said. ‘We’re not talking about chocolate milk.’

Democratic Rep. Tod Ohnstad, one of three Democrats who joined all nine Republicans in voting to pass the bill, said it attempts to level the playing field for banquet halls, taverns and others who must get liquor licenses to operate and wedding barns, which don’t need a license.

The Legislature was expected to pass it on Wednesday, which would then send it to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. His spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the measure. Evers’ administration was involved with the drafting of the bill.

Wedding barns are just one small part of the proposal that makes changes to the state’s so-called three-tier system, created in the 1930s. The three-tier system refers to alcohol suppliers, distributors and retailers. The system, designed to prevent monopolies, has been eyed for changes for years, but policymakers and the alcohol industry have been unable to reach agreement.

This year though, the measure has broad support from some of the nation’s largest alcohol sellers to some of the state’s best-known smaller craft breweries. Distributors and retailers are also on board, leaving wedding barn owners as the most prominent opponent.

In one of the biggest changes, the bill would create a new division in the state Department of Revenue to oversee and enforce liquor laws. It would also allow for expanded hours at wineries, permit brew pubs to operate stand-alone retail stores and create a new statewide bartender license.

Supporters include Anheuser-Busch Companies, Kwik Trip, Molson Coors Brewing Co., New Glarus Brewing Company, the Wisconsin Craft Beverage Coalition, the Wisconsin Grocers Association and the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute.

<!–>

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

–>

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
California teacher suspended for allegedly targeting White students on basis of race, gender
next post
Biden admin shields 330,000 immigrants from deportation; top Dem says it’s not enough

Related Posts

GOP Indiana lawmaker charged with DWI, leaving scene...

June 13, 2023

Israeli hostage briefly escaped Hamas before locals handed...

November 29, 2023

Hunter Biden’s attorney asks House Speaker Johnson to...

November 9, 2023

Judge denies Mark Meadows’ request to move his...

September 9, 2023

Trump warns about ousting Putin in Russia, says...

June 25, 2023

House GOP campaign arm slams Democrats in new...

December 5, 2023

GOP, Dem lawmakers get personal in testy exchange...

November 15, 2023

More than a million Palestinians in Gaza are...

November 20, 2023

Speaker Johnson calls for ‘key witnesses’ to testify...

November 16, 2023

Trump camp hits back after CNN host cuts...

June 25, 2024

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest

    • S&P 500 Breaking Out Again: What This Means for Your Portfolio

    • Cartier Resources

    • Biotech and Pharma Market Update: Q3 2025 in Review

    • Crypto Market Update: Trump Pardons Binance Founder, Wall Street and Jane Street Embrace Crypto

    • Cobalt Market Update: Q3 2025 in Review

    • Questcorp Mining Closes First Tranche of Private Placement

    Categories

    • Business (1,405)
    • Investing (3,077)
    • Politics (3,699)
    • Stocks (1,832)
    • Uncategorized (20)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: MoneyControlPlace.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 moneycontrolplace.com | All Rights Reserved