How Elections Impact Our Industry in 2026

This year’s elections will have a major impact on important issues to the tavern industry

We are constantly told that elections have consequences, and they do.  In Wisconsin, the upcoming November elections could have a big impact on how the state tackles several issues of importance to the tavern industry.  Governor Evers, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMehieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos have all announced they will be leaving the legislature, ensuring that we’ll be working with an entirely new group of leaders in Madison.  Here’s a quick look at the issues that will be affected by the November election results.

Division of Alcohol Beverages (DAB).  Former DAB Director Mark Meyer stepped down as Director of the Department of Revenue’s Division of Alcohol Beverages at the end of May.  The division is responsible for enforcing and administering the state’s alcohol laws, and its leader serves at the pleasure of the Governor.  With Evers’ term coming to an end, a permanent replacement probably won’t be named until the next Governor takes office in January.  In addition to general enforcement issues, the TLW is pushing to get the DAB to track Class B licenses in each municipality, as no database currently exists.  This leaves many unaware if any license can even be obtained in their area.  The DAB needs to be a big part of the solution.

Video Gaming.  Some municipalities in northeast Wisconsin have made life difficult for tavern owners by requiring them to fill out forms declaring whether gaming devices are used for gambling, which flies in the face of what the legislature intended.  The problems stem in part from convenience stores applying for Class B licenses and then placing the games in their stores.  This was never intended by the legislature either, but we believe the problem can be solved without harassing tavern owners.  This year’s elections will determine whether enough legislators and the new governor are willing to step up to help.

THC legislation.  The public overwhelmingly wants to see THC products made available but closely regulated, like alcohol.  The Tavern League of Wisconsin supported a bill by Representative Rob Swearingen that would have done exactly that.  It fell short of the support needed to pass, but new legislation will no doubt be introduced next year.  The question will be whether a bill like Swearingen’s will pick up support, or if a bill that deregulates THC products even further gains momentum.  The TLW will be working actively on this issue to protect the interests of the industry.  We support legalization with a strong, common sense regulatory structure that is enforced.  Complete deregulation, while alcohol faces continued strict regulations that are only getting stronger, is unfair to the tavern industry, endangers the public and defies common sense.

Drunk driving penalties and UTV regulations.  Some legislative candidates have publicly called for and are currently campaigning on stronger OWI penalties, including for those involving UTVs.  The TLW maintains that the biggest threats to public safety come from repeat offenders and those who have a BAC far above the legal limit.  A single mistake should come with strong penalties but not ruin a person's financial life and reputation.  Focus deterrence efforts in the areas that will do the most good and make the most difference.

There are a wide range of outcomes possible for each of these issues and several others when the legislature takes them up next year.  All these issues will be greatly affected by who wins control in November.  The primary elections are right around the corner on August 11.  We’ll need to work cooperatively with whoever wins the Governor’s office and the legislature this fall so that we’re best able to preserve and protect the industry in the years to come.