HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 04 - Alcohol BeveragesCity of Oshkosh Municipal Codes
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CHAPTER 4
ALCOHOL BEVERAGES
ARTICLE I. STATE STATUTES ADOPTED AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE LICENSING OF PREMISES
4-1 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
4-2 PREMISES TO BE LICENSED
4-3 APPLICATION FOR LICENSE
4-4 LICENSE INVESTIGATION AND APPROVAL
4-5 GRANTING AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE
4-5.2 EXTENSION OF PREMISES APPLICATIONS
4-6 REQUIRED USE OF LICENSE
4-7 DUPLICATE LICENSES
4-8 LICENSE TO BE POSTED ON PREMISES
4-9 VIOLATIONS BY AGENT
4-10 HEALTH RULES
ARTICLE II. LICENSES - INTOXICATING LIQUORS
4-11 LICENSE REQUIRED
4-12 CLASSES OF LICENSES: FEES
ARTICLE III. LICENSES - FERMENTED MALT BEVERAGES
4-13 LICENSE REQUIRED
4-14 CLASSES OF LICENSES; FEES
ARTICLE IV. OPERATOR'S LICENSES
4-15 OPERATOR LICENSES REQUIRED
4-16 APPLICATION FOR OPERATOR'S LICENSE
4-17 ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY AND PROVISIONAL OPERATOR'S LICENSE
4-17.2 ISSUANCE OF OPERATOR’S LICENSES
4-18 FEES AND EXPIRATION FOR OPERATOR'S LICENSE
4-19 SUSPENSION, NON-RENEWAL OR REVOCATION OF OPERATOR'S LICENSE
ARTICLE V. ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
4-20 CLOSING HOURS
4-21 NON-ALCOHOL EVENTS; UNDERAGE PERSONS ON LICENSED PREMISES
4-22 CONDITIONS OF LICENSES
4-23 SPECIAL CLASS "B" LICENSES
4-24 BEERGARDENS
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4-25 HOURS OF CONSUMPTION
4-26 (Repealed - formerly Keg Beer Permits Required)
4-27 SALE OF CERTAIN ALCOHOL BEVERAGES PROHIBITED
4-28 REPEALED (6/24/97)
ARTICLE VI. PENALTIES
4-29 PENALTIES
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ARTICLE I. STATE STATUTES ADOPTED AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
LICENSING OF PREMISES
SECTION 4-1 STATE STATUTES ADOPTED
Except as otherwise specifically provided, all provisions of Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statutes
describing and defining regulations with respect to alcohol beverages are hereby adopted and by reference
made a part of this Code as if fully set forth herein. To effect the legislative intent that regulation of alcohol
beverages is a matter of statewide concern, it is the intention of this ordinance to include within such
references all provisions of Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statutes in effect at the time of adoption of this
section together with any applicable prior revisions and all future recodifications, renumberings and
amendments unless otherwise expressly provided in such references. It is the intention of this section that
any act required to be performed or prohibited by Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as previously
amended, presently in effect or as may be amended in the future, incorporated within this section by
reference, is an act required to be performed or is an act prohibited by this section.
SECTION 4-2 PREMISES TO BE LICENSED
(A) Type of Premises
A license shall be required for each premises, room or enclosure or for each suite of rooms or
enclosures which are in direct connection to each other where alcohol beverages are kept, sold, or
offered for sale. No license shall be issued to any person, firm, or corporation for the purpose of
possessing, selling or offering for sale any alcohol beverages in any dwelling, house, flat, or
residential apartment.
(B) Schools
The possession and/or use of intoxicating liquors or fermented malt beverages on primary and
secondary public school property, is hereby prohibited. The use and possession of intoxicating
liquor and fermented malt beverages is also prohibited at any public primary or secondary school
sponsored event.
SECTION 4-3 APPLICATION FOR LICENSE
(A) Form
Applications for a license to sell or deal in intoxicating liquor shall be made in writing on the form
prescribed by law, and shall be sworn to by the applicant, as provided within chapter 125 of the
Wisconsin Statutes, and shall be filed with the City Clerk not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the
granting of such license.
(B) Time for Filing
All renewal applications for licenses will be issued on July 1st of any year and all original
applications for such licenses to be issued on July 1st of any year shall be executed and filed with
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the City Clerk not later than April 15th preceding.
(C) Payment of License Fee
No license for the sale of alcohol beverages may be delivered to the applicant until the applicant
files with the City Clerk a receipt showing payment of the prescribed license fee to the Treasurer.
The applicant shall pay the prescribed license fee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date the
license is to be issued.
(D) Proof of Seller’s Permit
Applications shall be accompanied by proof of application for or a copy of the applicant’s current
Wisconsin State Seller’s permit. If the application is accompanied by an application for the seller’s
permit the license may be conditionally granted to the applicant and a copy of a current permit
must be provided to the City Clerk’s office prior to the issuance of the license.
(E) Publication
Said application shall be accompanied by the cost of the publication in the amount as provided for
within chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Prior to the granting of such license notice of the
application shall be published in the official newspaper at least three (3) times successively. Such
publication shall include the name and address of the applicant, and kind of license applied for,
and the location of the premises to be licensed.
SECTION 4-4 LICENSE INVESTIGATION AND APPROVAL
(A) Investigation by Officials
The City Clerk shall notify the Chief of Police, the Winnebago County Health Department, and the
Chief of the Fire Department of each application, and these officials shall inspect or cause to be
inspected each applicant’s qualifications and the premises, together with such other investigation as
shall be necessary to determine whether the applicant and the premises sought to be licensed
comply with the regulations, ordinances, and laws applicable thereto, including those governing
sanitation in restaurants, and whether the applicant is a proper person to be the recipient of a
license. The Chief of Police shall interview or cause to be interviewed the applicant for purposes of
completing the Council Questionnaire.
These officials shall each file with the City Clerk, the information derived from such investigation
accompanied by a recommendation as to whether a license should be granted, conditionally
granted or denied.
If the recommendation is to conditionally grant the license, a written explanation shall be provided
to the City Clerk’s office who shall provide such explanation to the applicant. If the
recommendation is to conditionally grant the license, based upon items noted in the investigations
which are deemed reasonably correctable by the inspecting official, the City Clerk may forward the
license for approval by Council and approval by the Council shall be conditioned upon correction
of any violations noted in the written explanation provided to the City Clerk.
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If the recommendation is to deny the license, a written explanation shall be provided to the City
Clerk’s office who shall provide such explanation to the Council and the applicant.
(B) Approval by Council
The City Council may, upon the applicant's completion of all prescribed procedures, grant or
conditionally grant the license. If the Council decides not to grant a new license under this Chapter,
it shall notify the applicant in writing of the decision and the reason(s) therefore pursuant to Section
125.12 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Nonrenewal of licenses shall be governed by the provisions of
Section 125.12 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
(C) Appearance before Council
Unless notified otherwise, all applicants for the license need not appear in person before the City
Council provided a completed questionnaire is presented to the Council with the requisite
application.
SECTION 4-5 GRANTING AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE
Opportunity shall be given by the Common Council to any person to be heard for or against the granting of
any license. Upon the approval of the applicant by the Common Council, the City Clerk shall issue to the
applicant a license. If a license has been conditionally approved, the City Clerk shall issue to the applicant
a license only upon proof of compliance with all conditions. Each license shall be numbered in the order in
which issued, and shall state the premises for which issued, the date of issuance, the fee paid, and the name
of the licensee.
Upon the approval of the applicant by the Common Council, the City Clerk shall issue to the applicant a
license except as follows:
(A) For any premises for which items were identified under section 4-4 above until all conditions have
been corrected and verified by reinspection by the Department identifying the condition.
(B) Unpaid Taxes, Assessments or Special Charges.
1) Premises.
a) For any premises for which taxes, assessments, or special charges are delinquent and
unpaid.
i. This subsection 1) shall not apply to prohibit the issuance of a license for any
premises if:
a. the unpaid taxes, assessments or special charges were levied against the
premises; and
b. the license is necessary for the conduct of business on the premises by a lessee of
the premises; and
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c. the licensee and owner have no immediate or extended family, business, or
financial relationship with one another other than as landlord and tenant.
b) For any premises for which a conditional approval of the granting of the license has
been issued and for which written proof of fulfillment or completion of the conditions
has not been provided to the City Clerk’s office.
2) Persons.
a) To any person who is delinquent in the payment of taxes, assessments or special charges
related to the business or property for which the license or permit is sought.
b) To any applicant for a Class “A” or Class “B” license who has an indebtedness for
fermented malt beverages outstanding for more than 15 days or to any applicant for an
intoxicating liquor or retail license or permit who has an indebtedness for intoxicating
liquor outstanding for more than 30 days.
c) To any person who has not provided a copy of their current State of Wisconsin Seller’s
Permit
d) To any person for which a conditional approval of the granting of the license has been
issued and for which written proof of fulfillment or completion of the conditions has not
been provided to the City Clerk’s office.
Upon issuance of the license, the City Clerk shall remit the license fee to the City Treasurer
who shall transfer said fee to the General City Fund. The full license fee shall be charged
except as specifically provided for within this ordinance or by statute.
(3) Appeal.
Alleged errors in the determination of non-issuance of the license based upon delinquent or
unpaid taxes, assessments or special charges may be appealed to the Finance Director
within 5 days of notice of the non-issuance of the license or permit. The Finance Director
shall issue a notice setting forth a date and time for hearing on the matter, not less than
three (3) days nor more than fifteen (15) days after the date of the notice of hearing. At the
hearing, the complainant and a representative of the City may be represented by counsel,
may present evidence and call and examine witnesses and cross examine witnesses of
another party. Such witnesses shall be sworn or affirmed by the person conducting the
hearing. The Finance Director shall act as the decision maker. If the Finance Director is
unable to so act, a decision maker shall be appointed by the City Manager.
A written determination shall be made directing the continued holding of the license or
permit or the issuance of such license or permit. Within ten (10) days of the hearing, the
written determination shall be mailed to all interested parties and shall be placed on file
with the City Clerk by the decision maker. The written decision shall specify the reasons for
the decision made.
Within ten days of the date of posting of the written decision, any person aggrieved thereby
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may appeal such decision to the Common Council. Appeals shall be taken by filing a notice
of appeal specifying the grounds therefor with the City Clerk. On Appeal the Finance
Director or other decision maker shall forthwith transmit all papers relating to such appeal
to the City Clerk. The Clerk shall give notice of the appeal to the Common Council at its
next regular meeting. The Council shall then fix a reasonable time for hearing of the same
and give public notice thereof, as well as notice to the parties interested, and shall promptly
decide the appeal. Any party to the proceeding as well as any person who may be
adversely affected by a decision of the Council may appear at the hearing and may produce
witnesses and be represented by counsel. In addition to any other witnesses presented, the
council may subpoena and examine such other persons as it may deem necessary for a fair
and impartial hearing of the appeal. The Clerk shall swear or affirm all persons testifying
before the council in regard to the appeal, and shall maintain a record of all testimony and
other evidence as may be presented.
The Council may reverse, affirm, or modify the decision of the Finance Director or other
decision maker appealed from, and to this end may direct issuance or non-issuance of any
license or permit. Within ten (10) days after the decision on any appeal, the City Clerk shall
cause due notice thereof in writing to be mailed to all parties to the appeal as well as any
other persons who may have appeared therein at their last known post office address. Such
notice shall specify the grounds for the decision.
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Common Council on appeal may seek such
other legal relief as may be available.
SECTION 4-5.2 EXTENSION OF PREMISES APPLICATIONS
(A) Extension of Regular License. A licensee may apply for an extension of the licensed premises by
submitting a request to the city clerk upon a form approved by the City Clerk and payment of the
appropriate fee as specified in the city’s fee schedule as approved by the Council. The licensee shall
provide a description of the proposed licensed premises including the proposed extension and any
other information required by the City Clerk. The Council shall determine whether to grant a
request for an extension of premises under the same standards as a new license application.
(B) Temporary Extensions. A licensee may apply for a temporary extension of the licensed premises by
submitting a request to the City Clerk upon a form approved by the City Clerk and payment of the
appropriate fee as specified in the city’s fee schedule as approved by the Council. The licensee shall
provide a description of the temporary premises, proposed dates for extension of the premises and
any other information required by the City Clerk. The proposed dates may list a range of dates but
shall not exceed 6 months in duration. The Council shall determine whether to grant a request for a
temporary extension of premises under the same standards as a new license application. Upon
expiration of the temporary extension, the extension shall cease with no other action required of the
licensee, Clerk or Council. Approval of a temporary extension does not create a right to future
approval of a temporary extension or a future approval of an extension of the regular alcohol
beverage license to include the area included in the temporary approval.
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SECTION 4-6 REQUIRED USE OF LICENSE
(A) Required use of License.
The following shall be a violation of this chapter. The penalty for violation of this Section shall be
limited to non-renewal or revocation of the license only.
(1) failure to complete the requirements that would result in the issuance of a “Class B”
or Class “B” license even though such license has been granted by the Common
Council during the prior license year.
(2) failure to conduct license-related business on the premises for which the license was
granted and/or issued for at least one (1) consecutive thirty (30) day period during
any consecutive twelve (12) month period.
a. For purposes of this section “license-related business” shall mean the actual
sale or offering for sale of alcoholic beverages under a valid alcohol beverage
license.
b. For purposes of this section it shall not be deemed a violation for the
premises to be closed on regularly scheduled closing days of the business
(for example, holidays or Mondays where the business has typically
maintained Mondays as a day that it is closed for business).
SECTION 4-7 DUPLICATE LICENSES
Whenever a license or permit shall be lost or destroyed without fault on the part of the holder or his agent
or employee, a duplicate in lieu thereof under the original application shall be issued by the City Clerk
upon the Clerk's satisfaction as to the facts.
SECTION 4-8 LICENSE TO BE POSTED ON PREMISES
(A) Every license and permit issued pursuant to this Section shall be enclosed in a suitable wood or
metal frame, having a clear glass space and a substantial wood or metal back, so that the whole of
such license may be seen therein, and shall be posted up and at all times displayed in a conspicuous
place in the room where such business is carried on, so that all persons visiting such place may
readily see the same.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to post such license or permit, upon premises other than
mentioned in the application, or knowingly to deface or destroy such license or permit, or to
remove it without the consent of the licensee or permit holder.
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SECTION 4-9 VIOLATIONS BY AGENT
A violation of this Chapter by a duly authorized agent or employee of the licensee or permit holder shall
constitute a violation by the licensee or permit-holder.
SECTION 4-10 HEALTH RULES
Each licensed premises shall have a current Health Permit or Restaurant License.
ARTICLE II. LICENSES - INTOXICATING LIQUORS
SECTION 4-11 LICENSE REQUIRED
No person shall vend, sell, deal, or traffic in, or for the purposes of evading any law or ordinance, give
away any intoxicating liquors in any quantity whatever, or cause the same to be done within the City,
without having procured a license, as provided in this Chapter.
SECTION 4-12 CLASSES OF LICENSES: FEES
There shall be three classes of licenses:
(A) Retail "Class A" Liquor Licenses
(1) Fee: The fee for such retail "Class A" liquor license shall be Three Hundred Fifty ($350.00)
Dollars per year for a renewal application and Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per year for a
new application and license. If a renewal application is not filed in accordance with Section
4-3(B), the new application fee will be charged.
(B) Retail "Class B" Liquor Licenses
(1) A retail "Class B" liquor license, when issued by the City Clerk under authority of the
Common Council, shall permit its holder to sell, deal and traffic in intoxicating liquors in
accordance with the provisions of section 125.51(3)(b) Wis. Stats.
(2) Fee: The fee for such retail "Class B" liquor license shall be Three Hundred Fifty Dollars
($350.00) for a renewal application and Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per year for a new
application and license. If a renewal application is not filed in accordance with Section 4-
3(B), the new application fee will be charged.
(C) Retail "Class C" Licenses
(1) Fee: The fee for such retail "Class C" license shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per
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year.
ARTICLE III. LICENSES - FERMENTED MALT BEVERAGES
SECTION 4-13 LICENSE REQUIRED
No person shall sell, barter, exchange, offer for sale or have in possession with intent to sell, deal or traffic
in fermented malt beverages or light wines within the City of Oshkosh without having first procured a
license as provided in this Section.
SECTION 4-14 CLASSES OF LICENSES; FEES
There shall be 4 classes of fermented malt beverage licenses;
(A) Class "A" Retailer's License
(1) Fee. The fee for such Class "A" license shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per year. This
fee shall be prorated for licenses issued during the license year.
(B) Class "B" Retailer's License
(1) Fee. The fee for such Class "B" license shall be $100.00. This fee shall be prorated for licenses
issued during the license year.
(C) Six Month Class "B" Licenses
A license may be issued at any time for a period of six months in any calendar year for which one
half of the license fee shall be paid, but such temporary license shall not be renewable during the
calendar year in which issued.
(D) Special Class "B" License
(1) Application and Fees.
Applications shall be filed with the City Clerk together with a license fee of $10.00. Persons
employed by, or donating their services to, the holder shall be required to obtain a
temporary operator's license as provided for in Article IV when required by the provisions
of this Chapter.
ARTICLE IV. OPERATOR'S LICENSES
SECTION 4-15 OPERATOR LICENSES REQUIRED
No licensed premises may be open for business unless there is upon the premises the licensee, the agent
named in the license if the licensee is a corporation, or some person who has an operator's license and who
is responsible for the acts of all persons selling or serving any fermented malt beverages or intoxicating
liquor to customers. For the purpose of this Section, any member of the licensee's immediate family who is
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at least eighteen years of age shall be considered the holder of an operator's license. No person may serve
fermented malt beverages or intoxicating liquor in any licensed premises unless the person has an
operator's license or is at least 18 years of age and is under the direct and immediate supervision of the
licensee or agent or a person holding an operator's license.
SECTION 4-16 APPLICATION FOR OPERATOR'S LICENSE
A written application shall be filed with the City Clerk with such pertinent information as the City Clerk
may require. The applicant shall pay the prescribed fee at the time of application. Applications shall be
valid for a period of sixty (60) days.
SECTION 4-17 ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY AND PROVISIONAL OPERATOR'S LICENSES
(A) The City Clerk or designee may issue a temporary operator's license subject to the following conditions:
(1) A written application shall be filed with the City Clerk by the person requesting said
application with such pertinent information as the City Clerk may require.
(2) At the time of application, the applicant shall pay a fee in the amount of two dollars ($2.00).
(3) Temporary operator’s licenses may be issued without the requirement to attend a
responsible beverage server training course.
(4) A temporary operator's license shall be valid for fourteen (14) days and shall be issued only
to operators employed by, or donating their services to, holders of Special Class "B" licenses
under this code. A person holding a temporary operator’s license granted under this
paragraph may serve alcohol beverages within the Special Class “B” licensed premises
without another licensed bartender present.
(5) No person may hold more than two (2) temporary licenses per calendar year.
(B) The City Clerk or designee may issue a provisional operator's license subject to the following
conditions:
(1) A provisional license may be issued only to a person who has applied for an operator's
license as provided by this Chapter and who provides proof of enrollment to take a
Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training Course or has a current valid operator’s
license issued by another Wisconsin community.
(2) A provisional license shall expire 60 days after its date of issuance or when the City Clerk
issues a regular operator’s license in accordance with this Chapter or when the Common
Council grants a regular operator's license to the holder, whichever is sooner. The official
who issued the provisional license may revoke the license if the official discovers that the
holder of the license made a false statement on the application.
(3) The fee for a provisional license shall be $5.00 which is paid to the City Treasurer at the time
application is made.
(4) A person holding a provisional license may serve alcohol beverages within a licensed
premises without another licensed bartender present.
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SECTION 4-17.2 ISSUANCE OF OPERATOR'S LICENSES
The Common Council hereby grants to the City Clerk the authority to issue operator’s licenses to persons
who have met the requirements contained in this Code and Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as may
be amended from time to time.
The Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee shall review all applications for operator’s licenses prior to
issuance to determine whether the applicant meets all requirements and is a proper person to be the
recipient of a license. The Chief of Police or designee shall report their findings and recommendation to the
City Clerk whether the license should be granted or denied.
Upon completion of the application, recommendation by the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee to issue
the license and payment of the appropriate fee, the City Clerk may issue the operator’s license.
If the recommendation of the Chief or Chief’s designee is to deny the license, or the City Clerk determines
for non-payment of fee, failure to complete the required responsible beverage server training course, or
other reason to deny the license, the City Clerk shall notify the applicant in writing of the decision to deny
the license and the reason(s) therefore and informing the applicant that the applicant may request that the
license approval be placed upon the council agenda for review and determination by the City Council.
Requests for review shall be made in writing, be signed by the applicant, and shall be placed upon the
council agenda for review and determination as soon as practicable.
If the City Council determines not to issue an operator’s license the Council shall direct that the applicant
be notified in writing of the refusal to issue and the reasons for the decision.
SECTION 4-18 FEES AND EXPIRATION FOR OPERATOR'S LICENSE
The fee for an operator's initial license shall be Sixty Dollars ($60.00) for a two-year period or fraction
thereof. The fee for an operator's renewal license shall be Fifty-five Dollars ($55.00) for a two year period or
fraction thereof. The fee for a duplicate operator's license shall be Fifteen Dollars ($15.00). Every operator's
license shall expire on the 30th day of June prior to the expiration of the two-year period from the date of
issuance. Operator's licenses shall be issued and signed by the City Clerk, after approval thereof by the
City Clerk or by the Common Council, in accordance with this Chapter.
SECTION 4-19 SUSPENSION, NON-RENEWAL OR REVOCATION OF OPERATOR'S LICENSE
Any violation of any of the terms or provisions of this Section by any person holding an operator's license
shall be cause for suspension, non-renewal or revocation of said license. The provisions of Section 125.12 of
the Wisconsin Statutes shall apply to any such proceeding under this section.
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ARTICLE V. ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 4-20 CLOSING HOURS
The closing hours for licensed premises shall be as established by the Wisconsin Statutes except as follows:
(A) "Class A" License
No premises for which a "Class A" license or permit is issued shall be permitted to remain open for
the sale of intoxicating liquor between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
(B) Class "A" License
No premises for which a Class "A" license or permit is issued shall be permitted to remain open for
the sale of fermented malt beverages between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
(C) No alcohol beverages shall be sold or consumed upon any licensed premises during the closing
hours specified above.
SECTION 4-21 NON-ALCOHOL EVENTS; UNDERAGE PERSONS ON LICENSED PREMISES
(A) An underage person who is not accompanied by a parent. legal guardian or spouse who has
attained the legal drinking age may enter and remain on a Class "B" or "Class B" licensed premises
if:
(1) No alcohol beverages including nonalcoholic beer, wine coolers, and other similar imitation
type beverages, are consumed, sold, furnished, given away on or carried into the licensed
premises during the hours specified in a prior written notification to the Chief of Police or
designee; and
(2) During the period of any non-alcohol event, all alcohol beverages, not stored in a locked
portion of the licensed premises, shall be stored in a secure place out of the sight and
physical reach of any patron present and shall be under direct and immediate control and
supervision of the licensee or agent or the licensed operator in the employ of the licensee or
agent. All beer taps and automatic dispensers of alcohol beverages shall be disconnected,
disassembled or made inoperable; and
(3) The licensee or agent has notified the Chief of Police or designee at least seven (7) calendar
days in advance of any date on which underage persons will be present on the licensed
premises. A separate notice shall be made for each date a non-alcohol event will be held.
The notice shall be on a form prescribed by the Chief of Police and shall include the date
and time during which the event is to occur. All notices shall be filed with the Chief or
designee during the normal City business hours (weekdays, except holidays, between 8:00
a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). After notice of the event has been given, the licensee shall notify the
Chief or designee in writing if the event is to be canceled; and
(4) During the period of any non-alcohol event, a notice card issued by the Chief shall be
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posted at all public entrances to the licensed premises notifying the general public that no
alcohol beverages may be consumed, sold furnished, or given away on, or carried into the
licensed premises during the event; and
(5) Closing hours established by appropriate state statute for such licensed premises shall be
observed.
(B) This section shall not apply to those portions of licensed premises which contain bowling alleys
where the possession, sale and consumption of alcohol beverages is restricted to the bowling alley
area, where separate ingress/egress and restroom facilities are provided within the bowling alley
area for the exclusive use of those patrons and where all alcohol beverages normally available for
sale not located within the bowling alley area are under the direct and immediate supervision of the
licensee or agent or a licensed operator in the employ of the license holder.
SECTION 4-22 CONDITIONS OF LICENSES
All licenses granted hereunder shall be granted subject to the following conditions, and all other conditions
of this Chapter and to all regulations of the City applicable thereto:
(A) Consent to Inspections
Every applicant procuring a license thereby consents to the entry of police or other duly authorized
representative of the City at all reasonable hours for the purpose of inspection and search, and
consents to the removal from said premises of all things and articles there had in violation of this
Section, or said laws, and consents to the introduction of such things and articles in evidence in any
prosecution that may be brought for such violation.
(B) Unobstructed Windows Required
All windows in the front of any licensed premises shall be of clear glass and the premises shall be
so arranged as to furnish a clear view of the entire premises from the sidewalk. There shall be no
partition, box, stall, screen, curtain, or other device which shall obstruct the view of such room from
the general observation of persons; provided, however, that the partitions, subdivisions, or panels
any higher than 60 inches from the floor shall not be constructed as in conflict with the foregoing;
provided, however, Retail "Class B" licenses shall entitle the holder thereof to serve such beverages
in a separate room a banquets or dinners.
SECTION 4-23 SPECIAL CLASS "B" LICENSES
All special class "B" licenses issued require the licensee to take appropriate safeguards to prevent abuse in
the dispersion and consumption of alcohol beverages. All beverages shall be served or possessed in
transparent or semi-transparent containers, except the beverages may be served or possessed in their
original packaging/containers (see 125.32 and 125.68 for labeling and packaging regulations for alcohol
beverages), and hot non-alcoholic beverages may be served in opaque paper or Styrofoam containers. The
applicant for the special class "B" license shall, in order to secure a license, and as part of the application,
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specify which of the provisions of section 4-24 will be used in enforcing applicable City ordinances.
SECTION 4-24 BEERGARDENS
(A) Required
No person shall possess, sell or offer for sale any alcohol beverages in any parking lot or any other
open area on the same parcel as a licensed premises, not constructed, approved and properly
licensed as a code compliant Commercial Outdoor Entertainment Space under Chapter 30 of this
Municipal Code, except as permitted below:
(1) The area must be included within an appropriate alcohol beverage license; and
(2) The area must be approved for use as a beer garden under paragraph (B), (C) or (D) below;
and
a. a temporary beer garden is established in an area enclosed with at least one 3 ½’ tall
fence, which may be combined with walls, permanent fences or other temporary or
permanent structures, landscaping or other elements as may be approved by the
Department of Community Development and Police Department; or
b. a waiver of the fencing requirements is approved by the Council. The
request shall be submitted upon a form provided by the City Clerk and shall
be filed at the time of license application. The request shall specify what
safeguards the licensee will take to prevent abuse in the dispersion and
consumption of alcohol beverages. The Council may grant or deny, in whole
or in part, or may grant subject to conditions the waiver requested.
(B) Administrative Approval of Beer Garden
Upon application for a Beer Garden Permit upon a form approved by the City Clerk and payment
of the appropriate fee as specified in the city’s fee schedule as approved by the Council, the City
Clerk may issue a Beer Garden Permit without further approval by Council if all of the following
criteria are met:
(1) Less than 75 people are reasonably anticipated to congregate within the proposed beer
garden at any point in time.
(2) There will be no temporary structures installed, including but not limited to tents, staging,
or temporary lighting. Portalets shall be permitted.
(3) There will be no amplified sound/music in connection with the proposed beer garden.
(4) The proposed beer garden will cease operation no later than 10 pm Sunday through
Thursday evenings or 11 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
(5) The proposed beer garden does not restrict parking areas/spaces that are required under
Chapter 30 of this Municipal Code.
(6) The Department of Community Development and Police Department shall review and
approve the proposed site layout and design to minimize adverse effects upon neighboring
properties and/or disruption to traffic or pedestrian flow.
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(7) The Department of Community Development and Police Department shall review and
determine that the proposed beer garden will not conflict with other previously approved
events occurring in the same area or on the same date as the proposed beer garden to
minimize adverse effects on neighborhoods and/or will not create risk in relation to limited
city resources to monitor and respond to multiple planned events.
(8) The licensee shall not have a record of violations of city ordinances or state statutes
pertaining to noise violations or offenses substantially related to alcohol beverage laws or
license requirements.
(C) Approval of Beer Garden with Approved Temporary Use Permit
Upon application for a Beer Garden Permit upon a form approved by the City Clerk and payment
of the appropriate fee as specified in the city’s fee schedule as approved by the Council, City Clerk
may issue a Beer Garden Permit without further approval by Council if all of the following criteria
are met:
(1) The Department of Community Development has issued a Temporary Use Permit for an
Outdoor Assembly in compliance with Chapter 30 of this Municipal Code.
(2) No more than 250 people are reasonably anticipated to congregate within the proposed beer
garden at any point in time.
(3) Temporary structures, including but not limited to tents, staging, or temporary lighting,
may be installed in compliance with the requirements specified in the Temporary Use
Permit.
(4) The proposed beer garden will cease operation no later than 10 pm Sunday through
Thursday evenings or 11 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
(5) The Department of Community Development and Police Department shall review and
approve the proposed site layout and design to minimize adverse effects upon neighboring
properties, including but not limited to potential adverse impacts from placement of stages,
sound, lighting or other equipment, and/or disruption to traffic or pedestrian flow.
(6) The Department of Community Development and Police Department shall review and
determine that the proposed beer garden will not conflict with other previously approved
events occurring in the same area or on the same date as the proposed beer garden to
minimize adverse effects on neighborhoods and/or will not create risk in relation to limited
city resources to monitor and respond to multiple planned events.
(7) The licensee shall not have a record of violations of city ordinances or state statutes
pertaining to noise violations or offenses substantially related to alcohol beverage laws or
license requirements.
(D) Beer Gardens Approved as part of a Special Event or with Issuance of a Special Class “B” Alcohol
Beverage License
The City Clerk may issue a Beer Garden Permit in compliance with an approved Special Event
to a current license holder if the Council has approved a Special Event including a Beer Garden
within the described licensed premises.
The City Clerk may issue a Beer Garden Permit if the Council has approved a Special Class “B”
alcohol beverage license and the Beer Garden has been approved through the administrative
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process outlined in subsection (B) above, the Temporary Use permit process as outlined in
subsection (C) above or the Council has approved a Special Event Permit under Chapter 5 of
this Municipal Code.
(E) Regulations for Events within Parks
(1) The sponsoring organization for any event within a public park may prohibit beverage
carry-ins of any type, limiting consumption to those beverages sold within the confines of
the beer garden or part of the park as specified in the application. The sponsoring
organization shall place signs at all entrances to the beer garden or part of the park specified
and at such other locations as specified by the Oshkosh Police Department as necessary to
give persons reasonable notice of this prohibition. Such signs shall be a minimum of 8 1/2"
by 11", bright yellow in color, and shall specify “No Carry-in Beverages Allowed within this
Area pursuant to section 4-24(B)(2) of the Oshkosh Municipal Code” in letters at least 1/2"
high. No person shall bring into or possess within the area designated for no-carry-ins any
carry-in beverages.
(2) The decision as to specific location, fencing, size and number of beer gardens shall be made
by and at the discretion of the Parks Director in consultation with other appropriate city
departments, except that the fence which defines any beer garden area shall be located no
closer than five (5) feet away from any public right-of-way.
(3) The cost of procuring, installing, maintaining, and disassembling any of the beer garden
fence, park perimeter fence or similar demarcation device shall be borne by the licensee or
his designated agent. Restitution or remuneration or damage to city property shall be at the
sole expense of the applicant.
(4) Sale of beer in any park shall be prohibited after 10:00 p.m. except in those instances
wherein the Council, by resolution, grants an extension of hours.
(5) Licenses issued for property owned and operated by Winnebago County shall be governed
by the requirements set forth by Winnebago County in relation to set up and fencing
required.
(F) Variances / Appeals / Approval by Council
Council may approve variances from the specific provisions of this ordinance as part of a Special
Event Permit issued under Chapter 5 of this Municipal Code or by resolution upon request from
any applicant for a waiver of the applicable hours for noise, operating hours, temporary fencing, or
other criteria included within any of the subsection of this ordinance or as required by staff for an
administrative approval. Requests for waivers shall be submitted in writing to the office of the City
Clerk, and shall include the specific dates and times requested as well as the reason for the request.
If the waiver is related to sound, the request shall include the nature of the sound (music, speech,
type of amplification proposed) as well as specify whether the request includes a waiver from the
noise limitations contained in Chapter 17 of this Municipal Code.
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SECTION 4-25 HOURS OF CONSUMPTION
(A) No consumption of any alcoholic beverages, including fermented malt beverages, shall be allowed
in any city park after 10:00 p.m., except in the following designated areas where softball league play
has been sanctioned, or a Special Class "B" license exemption for such activity has been issued:
(1) Esther Reetz Softball complex in Menominee Park, located north of the parks maintenance
(block) building, east of the recreation trail, south of Siewert Trail, and west of Reetz Softball
Complex/boat launch parking lot.
(2) Spanbauer Memorial Field located at 9th Avenue and Sawyer;
(3) “Carry-in” of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited within the above designated
areas/boundaries during official operation times of Class “B” licensed operators.
SECTION 4-26 (Repealed 5/15/99) (Previously KEG BEER PERMITS REQUIRED)
SECTION 4-27 SALE OF CERTAIN ALCOHOL BEVERAGES PROHIBITED
No beverages of an alcohol content prohibited by the laws of the United States shall be kept in or about
licensed premises.
SECTION 4-28 (REPEALED 6/24/97)
ARTICLE VI. PENALTIES
SECTION 4-29 PENALTIES
Any person convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of the following Sections of this Chapter shall
for each offense be punished by the forfeitures as set forth, together with the costs of prosecution and in
default of payment of such forfeitures and costs, by imprisonment in the County Jail for Winnebago
County for the terms hereinafter stated; except that if a different penalty is enumerated by the Wisconsin
Statutes, as adopted by this Chapter, then the enumerated penalty including alternative penalty for default
of payment shall be imposed.
(A) General Penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter for which a specific
penalty is not provided below shall be fined not less than Fifty Dollars ($75.00) nor more than One
Thousand Dollars ($1000.00).
(B) General Penalty - Juveniles. Any person age 16 and under who violates any provision of this
Chapter for which a specific penalty is not provided below shall be fined Twenty Five Dollars
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($25.00).
(C) A forfeiture of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for a first violation, a forfeiture of not less than
One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for a second violation within a twelve month period and a
forfeiture not less than One Hundred Fifty ($150.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period and in default of payment loss of
driving privileges for a violation of any of the following:
Section 4-2(C)as it affects children ages 16 and under.
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(4)(b), and 125.09(2) Wis. Stats., as it affects
children ages 16 and under.
(D) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) nor more than Two
Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for a first violation, a forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Twenty-
five Dollars ($225.00) nor more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for a second violation within
a twelve-month period, a forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($325.00)
nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a third violation within a twelve-month period,
and a forfeiture of not less than Five Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($525.00) nor more than One
Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for a fourth or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period and in
default of payment loss of driving privileges for a violation of any of the following:
Section 4-1, which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(4)(b), Wis. Stats., as it affects persons age 17, 18,
19 and 20.
Section 4-2(C) and Sec. 4-1 adopting sec. 125.09(2) Wis. Stats., as it affects persons age 17, 18, 19, and
20.
(E) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and in default of payment by imprisonment for not exceeding ninety
(90) days or loss of driving privileges for a violation of any of the following:
Sections 4-2(A) and (C), 4-11, 4-13 and 4-21.
(F) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excepting that for a second and subsequent violations within a twelve-
month period a forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Seventy-Fifty Dollars ($275.00) and in
default of payment by imprisonment for not exceeding ninety (90) days or loss of driving privileges
for a violation of any of the following:
Section 4-1 adoption sec. 125.07(2)(a), and Section 4-20(A) adopting sec. 125.68(4) and 125.32(3)Wis.
Stats. and Section 4-20(C)
(G) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excepting that for a second violation within a twelve-month period a
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forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) and for a third or subsequent
violation within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Twenty-five
Dollars ($225.00) and in default of payment by imprisonment for not exceeding ninety (90) days or
loss of driving privileges for a violation of any of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.085(3)(a), Wis. Stats.
(H) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00), excepting that for a second offense within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of not less
than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and for a third
or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
and in default of payment by loss of driving privileges for any violation of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.085(3)(b), Wis. Stats., as each affects children ages 16
and under.
(I) (a) A forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) nor more than Five Hundred
Dollars ($500.00), excepting that for a second violation within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of
not less than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and
for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of Five Hundred
Dollars ($500.00) and in default of payment by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days or loss
of driving privileges for violation of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(4)(a)(1), (2), & (4) as it affects children ages 16 and
under, Wis. Stats.
(b) A forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($275.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excepting that for a second violation within a twelve-month period a
forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($325.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period a
forfeiture of Five Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($525.00) and in default of payment by
imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days or loss of driving privileges for violation of the
following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.085(3)(b)(2) as it affects persons age 17, 18, 19, and
20.
(J) A forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($275.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a first violation, a forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Twenty-
five Dollars ($325.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a second violation within a
twelve-month period, a forfeiture of not less than Five Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($525.00) nor
more than Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) for a third violation within a twelve-month
period, and a forfeiture of not less than Seven Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($775.00) nor more
than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for a fourth or subsequent violation within a twelve-month
period and in default of payment loss of driving privileges for a violation of any of the following:
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Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(4)(a)(1), (2) & (4) Wis. Stats., as it affects persons
age 17, 18, 19, and 20.
(K) A forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($225.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excepting that for a second violation within a twelve-month period a
forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($275.00) nor more than Five Hundred
Dollars ($500.00) and for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period a forfeiture
of Four Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($475.00) and in default of payment by imprisonment not
exceeding ninety (90) days or loss of driving privileges for violation of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.085(3)(b)(1), (3) & (4) as it affects persons age 17, 18,
19, and 20.
(L) A forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($325.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a first violation, a forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Seventy-
five Dollars ($375.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a second violation within a
twelve-month period, a forfeiture of not less than Five Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($575.00) nor
more than Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) for a third violation within a twelve-month
period, and a forfeiture of not less than Eight Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($825.00) nor more than
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for a fourth or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period
and in default of payment loss of driving privileges for a violation of any of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(4)(a)(3) Wis. Stats., as it affects persons age 17, 18,
19, and 20.
(M) A forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00), excepting that for a second violation within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of not less
than Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and for a
third or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period a forfeiture of Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00) and in default of payment by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days or loss of
driving privileges for violation of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(4)(a)(3) as it affects children ages 16 and under,
Wis. Stats.
(N) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a 1st violation, and A forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred
Seventy-five Dollars ($275.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a second or
subsequent violation within a twelve month period for violation of any of the following:
Section 4-1 adopting 125.07(3)(b) Wis. Stats.
(O) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a 1st violation, and A forfeiture of not less than Two Hundred
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Seventy-five Dollars ($275.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a second violation
within a twelve month period, a forfeiture of not less than Five Hundred Twenty-five Dollars
($525.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00) for a third violation within a twelve
month period, and not less than One Thousand Twenty-five Dollars ($1025.00) nor more than Five
Thousand Dollars ($5000.00) for a fourth or subsequent violation within a twelve month period for
violation of any of the following:
Section 4-1 adopting 125.07(1)(a)
(P) A forfeiture of not less than one Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Three Hundred Dollars
($300.00) for a first violation, a forfeiture of not less than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) nor more
than Five Hundred Dollars for a second violation within a twelve (12) month period, and a
forfeiture of not less than Five Hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00) for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve (12) month period and in default of
payment by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days or loss of driving privileges for violation
of the following:
Section 4-1 which adopts by reference Sec. 125.07(1)(a)(1) and 125.07(1)(a)(3) Wis. Stats. as it affects
children ages 16 and under.
Section 4-2(A) as it affects children age 16 and under.
(Q) A forfeiture of not less than One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) nor more than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a first violation, and a forfeiture of not less than Five Hundred
Twenty-five Dollars ($525.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for a second
violation within a twelve month period, and a forfeiture of not less than One Thousand Twenty-five
Dollars ($1,025.00) for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve month period, together with
the costs of prosecution, and in default of payment thereof, by imprisonment in the County Jail for
a period not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days for violation of any of the following:
Section 4-28
(R) In addition to the penalties herein provided, any license issued under this Chapter held by a person
convicted of violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to revocation by a Court of
record. Further, any license issued under this Chapter held by a person convicted of violating the
provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the Oshkosh Common
Council.
(S) In addition to the penalties herein provided, a person convicted of violating the provisions of this
Chapter shall be subject to suspension or revocation by a Court of record of their operating
privileges as provided within Chapter 343 of the Wisconsin Statutes.