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SB 850

Relating to: authorized activities under a no-sale event venue permit issued by the Division of Alcohol Beverages in the Department of Revenue.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Hutton and 4 co-sponsors

The bill clarifies and potentially expands what activities are allowed at no-sale event venue permits, guiding ops for venues, sponsors, and vendors under the Division of Alcohol B

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 850

Summary of Wisconsin Senate Bill 850 (SB 850) – 2025 Session

Purpose and Intent

SB 850 relates to authorized activities under a no-sale event venue permit issued by the Division of Alcohol Beverages in the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The bill aims to clarify or modify what activities are permitted at events conducted under a no-sale event venue permit, as administered by the state alcohol control agency.

  • Origin: Introduced January 15, 2026, by Senators Spreitzer, Jacque, Ratcliff, Roys, and Hutton; cosponsored by multiple Representatives.
  • Current status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue (as of the first reading). Action history indicates consideration attempts in late January 2026, with a subsequent reported action under Senate Joint Resolution 1 to pass—though that resolution failed on March 23, 2026.

Key Provisions (Substantive Changes)

  • The bill defines or adjusts the scope of activities permissible at events covered by a no-sale event venue permit.
  • It specifically targets operations governed by the Division of Alcohol Beverages (within the Wisconsin Department of Revenue), focusing on what can occur without the sale of alcohol (i.e., “no-sale” events) at permitted venues.
  • The changes could include
    • Permitted ancillary activities (e.g., educational, promotional, or entertainment related activities) at no-sale events.
    • Restrictions or exemptions tied to no-sale events to ensure compliance with state liquor statutes.
    • Clarifications regarding vendor participation, sponsorships, or temporary or mobile event setups under the no-sale permit framework.
  • Any financial or enforcement-related provisions (e.g., penalties for noncompliance, reporting requirements, or fee adjustments) would be specified in the bill language, which is not provided in the summary materials.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Event organizers and venues holding or seeking a no-sale event venue permit issued by the Division of Alcohol Beverages.
  • Businesses and entities involved in organizing no-sale events, including sponsors, vendors, and participants that operate under the permit framework.
  • State agencies, particularly the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's Division of Alcohol Beverages, which administers the permit program.
  • Local governments or municipalities that regulate events and venues in coordination with no-sale permit activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Introduced: January 15, 2026.
    • Referred to: Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue.
    • Consideration history shows attempts to move the bill through the Legislature, including action related to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (which sought to pass the bill) but reportedly failed on March 23, 2026.
  • Sponsorship:
    • Principal sponsors: Senators Spreitzer, Jacque, Ratcliff, Roys, and Hutton.
    • Co-sponsors include Representatives Anderson, J. Jacobson, Brown, Fitzgerald, Ortiz-Velez, Prado, Roe, Stroud, and Udell.
    • Noted supporters include New Glarus Brewing Company (as of 1/24/2026) and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Wisconsin Farmers Union. Opponents listed include Tavern League of Wisconsin.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the provided materials; the bill would become law on a date specified in the enacted statute (if passed).

Potential Implications

  • If enacted, clearer guidelines for no-sale event activities could reduce ambiguities for venues and organizers, potentially facilitating planning and compliance.
  • The bill could affect the monetization strategies at no-sale events (e.g., what types of activities can be offered without selling alcohol) and may influence event sponsorships and vendor participation.
  • Administrative impacts for the Division of Alcohol Beverages would include any new definitions, compliance checks, or reporting requirements tied to the revised permit provisions.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law, or draft a plain-language impact brief for venue operators and potential sponsors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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