Permits You Need to Open a Brewery in Milwaukee, WI
9 permits identified. Last verified: February 2026.
Quick answer
Opening a brewery in Milwaukee requires 9 permits costing approximately $2,500-$6,000 in the first year, depending on production volume. The federal Brewer's Notice from the TTB (free) is the most critical and time-consuming permit, often taking 90-150 days. Milwaukee requires breweries to obtain a Class B Brewer license from the City Clerk's Office in addition to state and federal permits.
Milwaukee has a deep brewing heritage, and the city’s permitting process reflects a well-established framework for brewery operations. The primary regulatory path runs through three levels: the federal TTB Brewer’s Notice, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Brewer’s Permit, and the Milwaukee City Clerk’s Office Class B license.
The federal Brewer’s Notice is your first and most critical step. The TTB requires detailed documentation of your brewing equipment, premises layout, and personal background. Apply at least 5 months before your planned opening, as processing times have averaged 90-150 days in recent years. You cannot legally produce any beer for sale — even test batches — without this notice in hand.
Milwaukee’s Class B Brewer Premises license requires Common Council approval for new locations, which adds a public hearing step to the process. Attend the License Committee meeting prepared with your floor plan and a neighborhood impact statement. The city generally supports new breweries, especially in the Menomonee Valley, Walker’s Point, and Bay View neighborhoods where industrial zoning is common.
Required permits and licenses
Federal Brewer's Notice
Required for all breweries producing beer for sale. Application includes detailed brewing equipment specs, floor plans, and personal history. Processing typically takes 90-150 days.
Wisconsin Brewer's Permit
State-level brewing permit. Fee scales with annual production volume. Allows brewing and wholesale distribution within Wisconsin. Must be obtained before production begins.
Milwaukee Class B Brewer Premises License
Local license required for on-premises retail sales (taproom). Allows sampling and retail sales at the brewery location. Requires Common Council approval for new locations.
Wisconsin Seller's Permit
Required to collect and remit Wisconsin sales tax (5.6% in Milwaukee County). Retail taproom sales of beer are subject to sales tax.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Federal tax ID required for all breweries for excise tax reporting, employee payroll, and business banking.
Certificate of Occupancy
Confirms the space is zoned and built for brewery/manufacturing use. Industrial and some commercial zones permit brewing. Plan review required for new buildouts.
Fire Prevention Permit
Required for commercial operations with gas-fired brewing equipment, chemical storage (cleaning agents), and CO2 systems. Fire suppression system may be required depending on facility size.
Wisconsin LLC Registration
LLC formation filing. Annual report due by the anniversary of formation ($25 filing fee). Required before applying for alcohol permits.
Building Permit for Brewery Buildout
Required for any interior construction, plumbing modifications, or equipment installation. Brewery buildouts typically require plumbing, mechanical, and electrical sub-permits.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official government records and verified as of February 2026. Permit requirements can change. Always confirm with the issuing agency before making business decisions. This is not legal advice.
Track all your Milwaukee brewery permits
Get reminders before deadlines, store documents, and never miss a renewal. Free for up to 3 permits.
Start Your Free Checklist