Tavern League of Wisconsin

Founded in 1935, the Tavern League of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization which also has a charitable arm, the Tavern League of Wisconsin Foundation which is a 501(c)(3). With over 5,000 members, the Tavern League of Wisconsin is the largest trade association in the United States to exclusively represent the interests of licensed beverage retailers. The TLW is comprised of 70 local leagues representing every county in the state of Wisconsin.

In 2016, the industry as a whole was responsible for as much as $14 billion in total economic activity in Wisconsin while creating over 120,000 jobs. Not only does the alcohol beverage retail industry create jobs, it also generates sizeable tax revenues. In Wisconsin, the industry and its employees pay over $910.03 million in taxes including property, income and sales taxes.

 
President Poised to Sign American Rescue Plan - Relief for Hospitality 
 
The House of Representatives is expected to sign off on the American Rescue Plan after the Senate passed the plan over the weekend.  The bill includes important provisions from the Restaurant Act to benefit independently owned taverns and restaurants.
 
Included in the $1.9 trillion bill:
  • $28.6 billion to fund a Restaurant Revitalization Fund to help businesses in the food services sector.  The new law allows for grants equal to the pandemic-related revenue loss of the eligible entity, up to $10 million per entity, or $5 million per physical location.  The grants are calculated by subtracting 2020 revenue from 2019 revenue.  Entities are limited to 20 locations.  The grant funds may be used to pay for among other items, payroll, mortgage/rent, maintenance, operational expenses and utilities.
Other portions of the American Rescue Plan include:
  • $1,400 stimulus checks to individuals make $75,000 or less annually
  • An additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits through September 6th
  • Another round of aid for States and local governments totaling $350 billion nationwide.  States will use this revenue in a variety of ways, both to offset existing COVID-19 related expenses but also to provide aid programs for businesses and citizens
There are many questions yet to be answered regarding the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.  We will continue to monitor the program and update you as additional information becomes available, including when you can apply.  
AB32 - Cocktails to Go Passes Assembly Unanimously! 
 
State Representative David Steffen (R-Green Bay) and State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) authored Assembly Bill 32 which unanimously passed the State Assembly today 3/17/2021.  The bill would allow taverns, restaurants and supper clubs to sell cocktails to go in tamper evident containers.  The bill now heads to the State Senate which is scheduled to be in next week.  Wisconsin would join 33 states which have permitted the sale of cocktails to go with passage of the bill.  For an industry which has seen a 40% decrease in revenues over the last year, passage of AB32 represents some much needed good news.  More must be done to help the struggling hospitality industry but passage of AB 32 is a good start. 
 
Please contact your State Senator and urge them to help struggling small business and pass AB 32.  To find contact information for your Senator please go to: Wisconsin State Senate. 

Spring Convention Cancelled
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News Room

 

  • The Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader both said that because Governor Evers did not go through the Administrative Rule process required by the State Supreme Court, his order limiting the size of public indoor gatherings is not enforceable.

     

  • House and Senate leaders have not yet reached agreement on the HEROES Act, however, House Democrats have just added the Restaurants Act, a bipartisan bill supported by the hospitality industry, to the HEROES Act to provide $120 billion in grants which do not have to be repaid for bars and restaurants.

  • The Kenosha Tavern League opposes the changes proposed to the city's cabaret license requirement. They made that opposition very clear at their meeting Tuesday at Coins Sports Bar, 1714 52nd St.

  • Bar and restaurant owners want you comfortable, happy and safe. When you are out enjoying your favorite local establishment, remember social distancing, hand washing, sanitizer, and ask for free complimentary mask courtesy of La Crosse County Health Department and the La Crosse County Tavern League.

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) are in the process of crafting the latest iteration of federal dietary guidelines—which seek to counsel Americans about healthy eating and drinking.

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October 4-7, 2021

 


 

 

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The goal of SafeRide is to eliminate drunk driving on Wisconsin’s roads. Last year, Tavern League members provided more than 91,000 free SafeRides to their patrons.

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Tavern League of Wisconsin