2022 — It’s Election Season Already
The longer, warmer days are much needed relief after what seemed like an unusually long and cold winter. Meanwhile, the legislative session has adjourned with the focus now on the 2022 elections. The primary election is set for Aug. 9 and the general election for Nov. 8. Every 10 years, states are required to adjust…
Read MoreOPINION: Federalism on full display as Utah navigates drunk-driving legislation
The laboratories of democracy, a phrase popularized by Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis to describe federalism, are in full swing across the country. One policy experiment some states are considering is lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration level for driving by 40%, from 0.08% to 0.05%. Dumbing down the definition of “drunk” will do…
Read MoreBeverage Licensees Urge Congress to Provide COVID-19 Relief to Hospitality Businesses
Nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic, many bars, taverns and independent restaurants remain underwater and are struggling to get back on their feet, pay off debt, or otherwise recover from the significant setbacks caused by the pandemic. As Congress considers legislation to fund the government and federal programs, now is the time…
Read MoreSales Territories by Beer Wholesalers – SB 959
Rep. Knodl and Sen. Stroebel have introduced SB 959 which would eliminate the requirement under current law that a brewer can only give one wholesaler exclusive distribution rights for a brand in a designated sales territory. Under current law, a beer wholesaler must enter into a written agreement with a brewer before selling and delivering…
Read MoreTLW Suppots AB 762/SB 834 – Media Advertising Tax Credit
The Tavern League of Wisconsin supports this legislation authored by Senator Roger Roth and Representative Todd Novak. Assembly Bill 762 and Senate Bill 834 would provide a tax credit for businesses that purchase advertising in local media outlets. The 5-year tax credit directed at small and medium sized businesses would allow them to take a…
Read MoreTLW Opposes SB 57/AB 71 – Alcohol Delivery
The Tavern League of Wisconsin opposes legislation authored by Senator Duey Stroebel and Representative Gary Tauchen that would allow restaurants and grocery stores to deliver beer, wine, and intoxicating liquor. The reason the hospitality industry is highly regulated is to protect public safety and to minimize underage drinking, public drunkenness, and drunken driving. Allowing for…
Read MoreRecent Wins
Led the effort to permit the sale of cocktails to-go from taverns, restaurants and supper clubs.
Past Wins
The Tavern League of Wisconsin responded to the concerns members had in obtaining operator licenses for employees who were licensed in another municipality by lobbying for a change in state law. Under the new law( 125.17(2) ) a municipality must issue a provisional(60 days)operators license to a person with a valid bartenders license from another municipality and who has paid the proper fee. This important change not only benefits the employee but also the employer.