SIDEWALK CAFÉs

alcohol management

Consumption of alcohol beverages [9.13(6)(j) 3.b] in all sidewalk cafés shall be limited to persons seated at tables in the sidewalk café site. In the case of sidewalk cafés having an alcohol beverage license, food service shall be required to be available at all times the sidewalk café is open.

Alcohol Management & Closing Times [9.13(6)(j) e.] – There shall be no sale of alcohol for consumption at a sidewalk café after the time approved by the ALRC and specifically indicated on the owner’s alcohol beverage license until normal opening of business each day. In addition, all containers of intoxicating beverages shall be removed from the tables of the sidewalk café and the sidewalk café area during those times.

i. For the State Street Special Assessment District, with the exception of the Capitol Concourse, but including Gorham Street from Wisconsin Avenue to University Avenue and University Avenue to Park Street, service of alcohol in sidewalk cafés shall stop no later than 11:30 p.m., with all alcohol off the table by 12:00 a.m. and the sidewalk café closing at 1:00 a.m. (Am. by Ord 13, 613, 5-21-04)

ii. In all other areas of the City of Madison, alcohol shall be off of the table by 1:30.

other guidelines

Covered Trash Receptacle: A covered trash receptacle is required for your sidewalk café patrons’ use to help keep your café looking tidy and avoiding the use of public trashcans.

Decorative Lighting: Low-voltage, battery or solar powered light strings or other decorative lighting may be used on sidewalk café enclosures and umbrellas. Any such lighting shall be securely fastened to the enclosure or umbrella, so that it does not blow or swing in the wind, and shall not hang in such a way to create a hazard. No such lighting or other decorative features or cords shall be strung from the building or any public amenity. In no case shall any lighting or electrical devices that must be plugged into a power source, or any extension cords, be used within the café, on an umbrella, or on the surrounding sidewalk, for any reason.

Umbrella Width: Your umbrellas should not project outside the perimeter of your sidewalk café.

Here’s what you need to do to apply for a Sidewalk CafÉ License:

1. Complete the application, including diagram. If you are applying for the first time, the Street Vending Coordinator must meet you at the site to discuss the sidewalk café set-up. Physical circumstances must be appropriate in the space being considered before a sidewalk café application will be approved. Some requests may be denied. Once the planning stage has begun, you may speak with the Street Vending Coordinator as often as needed while you are developing your idea to completion. Later, the Street Vending Coordinator will make at least one more visit to the site to see the final set-up of all tables, chairs, fencing, covered waste receptacle, umbrellas, etc. If everything meets with City of Madison specifications at that time, the Street Vending Coordinator will approve your application with his signature.
2. Submit an insurance certificate (General liability coverage of at least one million dollars, naming City of Madison as additional insured).
3. Enclose payment based on the number of chairs in your sidewalk cafe as follows:
   • 1 to 10 chairs: $300.00
   • 11 to 20 chairs: $400.00
   • 21 or more chairs: $500.00

• Application for Sidewalk Café License (PDF)
  • Instructions (PDF)
• Alcohol Licensing Information, Clerk's Office
• Insurance Requirements