Brewery / Distillery Permits & Licenses in Milwaukee, WI

Must comply with Milwaukee Sign Ordinance Chapter 295-202; electronic signs additional review

Required for all LLCs; file online via WDFI Fast Track Filing

Applies to all LLCs; electronic filing required for most

Must publish in county newspaper after filing; applies to all businesses using DBA

Required for brewing/selling beer; "Class B" for breweries producing ≤10,000 barrels/year

Required for distilling spirits; additional federal TTB permit prerequisite

Municipal approval required first; not all municipalities issue

Required for all retail sales including growlers, merchandise; file monthly/quarterly returns

Applies to all employers; quarterly/annual filing required

Quarterly wage reports and tax payments required

Filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) is based on average monthly tax liability; see DOR filing‑frequency guidelines.

Required for brewery/distillery production areas; monitored systems mandatory

Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 108.01) requires every employer with at least one employee to maintain workers’ compensation insurance or be self‑insured with DWD approval.

LLC taxed as a corporation must file; if taxed as a partnership, members report on personal returns.

Frequency is determined by average monthly withholding; see DOR Withholding Tax Frequency guidelines.

Employers must report wages and UI tax each quarter via UI Online.

Filing is done using DOR Form AB‑1; current rates are listed on the DOR Alcoholic Beverage Tax Rates page.

Other Wisconsin municipalities may impose similar privilege taxes; verify with the local city/town clerk.

Check Madison’s Business License Ordinance for any specific provisions related to alcohol production.

Minimum coverage required is $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate as stipulated in the Wisconsin Alcoholic Beverage License regulations (Wis. Stat. § 125.01).

Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 125.03) requires a $10,000 surety bond for all alcoholic‑beverage manufacturers.

WisDOT requires minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

While Wisconsin does not mandate general liability insurance, it is strongly recommended to protect against third‑party bodily injury and property damage claims.

Not required by Wisconsin law, but many distributors and retailers contractually require it.

Wisconsin does not require this coverage for breweries/distilleries.

All LLCs that will have employees, open bank accounts, or file federal taxes must obtain an EIN.

Multi‑member LLCs are taxed as partnerships (Form 1065, Schedule K‑1). Single‑member LLCs are disregarded entities (Schedule C).

All producers, importers, and wholesalers of alcohol must obtain a Basic Permit before commencing operations.

Includes submission of Form 5100.27 and bond requirements (typically $10,000 bond for each $1,000 of annual production).

Requires submission of Form 5110.20 and a surety bond.

All breweries and distilleries that produce consumable beverages must register with the FDA.

Must maintain injury and illness logs, provide a safe workplace, and comply with industry‑specific standards (e.g., Process Safety Management for hazardous chemicals).

Public accommodations must be accessible; includes parking, entrances, restrooms, and service counters.

All marketing, labeling, and promotional materials must be truthful, non‑deceptive, and include required disclosures (e.g., alcohol content, health warnings).

Includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child‑labor provisions.

Required for all businesses operating within Milwaukee city limits; breweries/distilleries fall under general business license unless specific exemption

Required for any brewery/distillery offering tastings or retail sales; separate from state "Class B" license

Breweries/distilleries typically require M1/M2 industrial zoning or conditional use permit in commercial zones; site plan review mandatory

Includes mechanical, plumbing, electrical sub-permits; plan review required for commercial kitchens/tasting rooms

Required if brewery/distillery offers food service; plan review ($250+) needed for new installations

High hazard occupancy for distilleries due to alcohol storage; suppression systems required

Breweries often classified as F-1 Factory or A-3 Assembly; final inspection required

Report includes total barrels of beer produced, gallons of spirits distilled, and any sales outside Wisconsin.

Must retain I‑9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.

Applies to eligible employees who have worked 1,250 hours in the preceding 12 months.

State environmental agencies issue NPDES permits under EPA authority.

Many breweries/distilleries are subject to VOC limits for fermentation and distillation processes.

Alcohol is classified as a hazardous material for transportation purposes; registration required for carriers and shippers.

Filing can be completed online via the DFI portal. Must include current registered agent and address.

Renewal must be submitted electronically through DATCP’s e‑Licensing system; proof of continued compliance with production limits may be required.

Electronic renewal required; must submit updated production records for the prior year.

Renewal is completed via the TTB’s Permits Online system; must certify continued compliance with record‑keeping and reporting.

Electronic filing through TTB’s e‑Filing system is mandatory for producers with >1,000 barrels/yr.

Returns filed electronically via the Wisconsin DOR’s MyTax Account portal.

Certification must be retained for inspection; state provides a list of approved providers.

Inspection focuses on sanitary conditions, HACCP plan, and proper storage of alcoholic beverages.

Inspection includes review of fire suppression systems, storage of flammable liquids, and emergency exits.

All structural changes must be approved by DSI; inspections occur at various stages (foundation, framing, final).

Payments made via the DWD’s Unemployment Insurance portal.

LLC taxed as partnership files Form 6; if electing corporate tax, file Form 1.

LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation (Form 1120) which has its own deadline.

Electronic filing via IRS e‑File; deposits made through EFTPS.

Includes Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and OSHA notices.

The “OSHA Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” poster is required.

Includes brew/fermentation logs, barrel inventories, sales invoices, and excise tax payments.

Records must be available for DOR inspection upon request.

Include W‑2s, Form 941, state unemployment reports, and workers’ compensation documentation.