What is the new bill in Wisconsin trying to achieve for beer festivals?

The bill aims to make it easier for small craft breweries from outside Wisconsin to participate in state beer festivals by waiving the requirement for a costly shipper's permit.

Why are Wisconsin lawmakers proposing changes to beer festival access?

Lawmakers are proposing changes because a recent overhaul of liquor laws imposed a prohibitive shipper's permit cost, discouraging small out-of-state breweries from attending festivals.

How did the new liquor laws affect Wisconsin beer festivals?

The new laws required out-of-state brewers to obtain a shipper's permit costing over $1,000, leading to fewer small craft breweries participating in festivals like the Great Taste of the Midwest.

Home / Business and Economy / Wisconsin Beer Fest Fees Brew Controversy

Wisconsin Beer Fest Fees Brew Controversy

30 Jan

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Summary

Lawmakers propose bill to ease access for small out-of-state breweries.
New law requires costly shipper's permits for out-of-state brewers.
Festivals saw fewer small craft breweries due to increased costs.

Wisconsin Beer Fest Fees Brew Controversy

A legislative effort is underway in Wisconsin to simplify festival participation for small, out-of-state craft breweries. Lawmakers are circulating a bill to exempt these businesses from a costly shipper's permit, a requirement introduced as part of a comprehensive alcohol law overhaul signed into law in 2023. This permit, costing over $1,000, also mandates out-of-state brewers file state tax documents, even if they generate no revenue in Wisconsin.

The proposed legislation would enable beer festivals to receive small shipments of beer from these out-of-state breweries for consumption at the event. This change aims to restore the diversity of brewery offerings at festivals, which was noticeably reduced at events like the Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison. Several other festivals across the state were also impacted.

Supporters of the bill argue it is a common-sense exception that addresses an unintended consequence of previous legislation. They believe it will enhance consumer choice, boost tourism, and support Wisconsin's cultural heritage of vibrant beer festivals. The goal is to allow these small businesses to share their products without prohibitive costs, provided the beer is only consumed on-site.