Alcohol Licensing in the City of Madison

The Clerk's Office accepts license applications Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact the Clerk's Office with licensing questions at licensing@cityofmadison.com.

NEW Operators

• Operator License Application (PDF)
  • Please note you must list all pending citations, tickets, or criminal charges as well as any previous citations, municipal or ordinance violations and criminal convictions (excluding parking tickets) or your application may not pass review.  Please read the entire application before you submit it for consideration.
• Operator License Application Requirements (PDF)
• Operator License Policy Guidelines (PDF)
• Juvenile Records Release Form-required of applicants under 21 years of age (PDF)

GO TO: City of Madison Licenses & Permits portal

NEW Establishments

NOTICE: For all license applications we now require a copy of your State Seller's Permit ID certificate.

• New Liquor/Beer License Application
• Appointment of New Liquor/Beer Agent Form (PDF)
• Background Investigation Form (PDF)
• Transfer of Ownership (PDF) To be filed with the City Clerk at the time a new application is submitted for a change of ownership for any liquor and/or beer establishment.

EXISTING Establishments

NOTICE: For all license applications we now require a copy of your State Seller's Permit ID certificate.

• Change of Corporate Officers/Control (PDF)
• Appointment of New Liquor/Beer Agent (PDF)
• Change of Licensed Premise (PDF)
• Transfer License to another Address (PDF) - Wisconsin Department of Revenue - also requires a Class A Supplemental form (PDF) or a Class B Supplemental form (PDF)

WHOLESALERS

    •  Wholesaler Report

    •  Wholesaler Release

LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS

NOTICE: For all license applications we now require a copy of your State Seller's Permit ID certificate.

 

• Business Renewal Instructions (PDF)
• Renewal Filing Deadlines (PDF)
• Alcohol Beverage License Renewal Application (PDF)
• Liquor/Beer License Renewal Pending Charges Supplement (PDF)
• Liquor/Beer License Renewal Convictions Supplement (PDF)

ENTERTAINMENT LICENSES

NOTICE: For all license applications we now require a copy of your State Seller's Permit ID certificate.

• 21+ Entertainment/18+ Center for Visual & Preforming Arts (PDF)
• Theatre License application form

• Adult Entertainment License (PDF)

• Temporary Entertainment (21+) Permit

Temporary/Picnic Beer LICENSEs

Please note: as of 9/13/2011 any Temporary Class B ("Picnic Beer") license application that is in conjunction with a Street Use Permit must be submitted at least 60 days before the event date.

Madison General Ordinance 11-00118

• Overview Handout (PDF)
• State Statute language for Picnic Beer licenses
• Picnic Beer Decision/Definition Tool (Excel)
• Part I: Temporary Beer & Wine Application (PDF)
• Part II: Temporary Beer & Wine Application (PDF)

Both parts I and II are required for an application to be considered, please review both sides of each form.      

STATE & FEDERAL FORMS THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING

• Business Tax Registration Form- Instructions
• Special Tax Registration & Return (Federal)
• Employer Identification Number