Closing hours for retail sales by wineries and the possession and consumption of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages on retail premises of wineries

Under current law, with the exception of a winery, a person may not obtain a "Class B" license authorizing the retail sale of intoxicating liquor unless the person also holds a Class "B" license authorizing the retail sale of fermented malt beverages (beer). With exceptions, a person may not possess on Class "B" licensed premises any alcohol beverages not authorized for sale on the premises. Under one exception, a Class "B" licensee may allow a person to possess and consume on the licensed premises beer not purchased from the licensee (often referred to as a "carry-in") if the licensed premises are located in a public park in the city of Milwaukee. A similar provision specifies that a "Class B" licensee may allow carry-ins of intoxicating liquor if the licensed premises are located in a public park in the city of Milwaukee.

Current law also prohibits a retail licensee from purchasing intoxicating liquor or beer from, or possessing intoxicating liquor or beer purchased from, any person other than a wholesaler.

This bill specifies that a winery holding a retail "Class B" license may allow carry-ins of distilled spirits and beer on the winery's retail premises by a person who has contracted to rent any part of the retail premises (host) for a special event such as a wedding reception. The winery may possess these carried-in distilled spirits and beer and only the winery can serve these carried-in distilled spirits and beer to persons attending the special event. The winery may not charge the host any fee for being allowed to carry in distilled spirits or beer.