May is National Tavern Month
Celebrating the social and economic impact of Wisconsin’s bars, taverns and restaurants The Tavern League of Wisconsin (TLW), along with its 5,000 members, is proud to recognize May as National Tavern Month. The special Tavern Month designation has been an annual tradition since 1953 and provides an opportunity to create awareness about the history, charitable…
Legislative Districts Set by State Supreme Court
The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling, adopted the redistricting maps that the Republican Legislature drew and passed late last year, but were vetoed by Governor Evers. In its ruling, the Supreme Court indicated that the maps are not only race neutral, but adhere to the least-change approach that the Legislature dictated in a…
TLW Endorses Rebecca Kleefisch for Governor
The Tavern League of Wisconsin is endorsing Rebecca Kleefisch’s campaign for Governor of Wisconsin. “With the countless struggles our industry has endured, Rebecca Kleefisch has the knowledge, experience, and potential to protect our businesses and put tools in place to help us all succeed,” said Tavern League President Keith Kern. “We look forward to a…
2022 — It’s Election Season Already
The longer, warmer days are much needed relief after what seemed like an unusually long and cold winter. Meanwhile, the legislative session has adjourned with the focus now on the 2022 elections. The primary election is set for Aug. 9 and the general election for Nov. 8. Every 10 years, states are required to adjust…
OPINION: Federalism on full display as Utah navigates drunk-driving legislation
The laboratories of democracy, a phrase popularized by Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis to describe federalism, are in full swing across the country. One policy experiment some states are considering is lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration level for driving by 40%, from 0.08% to 0.05%. Dumbing down the definition of “drunk” will do…
Gov. Evers Signs AB 717 to assist Wisconsin restaurants in COVID recovery
One of the bills TLW Members lobbied on at Legislative Day was AB 717 relating to state tax exemption from the Restaurant Revitalization Act. Governor Evers signed AB 717 into law yesterday, March 7, 2022! The Tavern League strongly pushed for the passage of Assembly Bill 717, authored by Senator Roger Roth and Representative Robert…
Beverage Licensees Urge Congress to Provide COVID-19 Relief to Hospitality Businesses
Nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic, many bars, taverns and independent restaurants remain underwater and are struggling to get back on their feet, pay off debt, or otherwise recover from the significant setbacks caused by the pandemic. As Congress considers legislation to fund the government and federal programs, now is the time…
Sales Territories by Beer Wholesalers – SB 959
Rep. Knodl and Sen. Stroebel have introduced SB 959 which would eliminate the requirement under current law that a brewer can only give one wholesaler exclusive distribution rights for a brand in a designated sales territory. Under current law, a beer wholesaler must enter into a written agreement with a brewer before selling and delivering…
TLW Suppots AB 762/SB 834 – Media Advertising Tax Credit
The Tavern League of Wisconsin supports this legislation authored by Senator Roger Roth and Representative Todd Novak. Assembly Bill 762 and Senate Bill 834 would provide a tax credit for businesses that purchase advertising in local media outlets. The 5-year tax credit directed at small and medium sized businesses would allow them to take a…
TLW Opposes SB 57/AB 71 – Alcohol Delivery
The Tavern League of Wisconsin opposes legislation authored by Senator Duey Stroebel and Representative Gary Tauchen that would allow restaurants and grocery stores to deliver beer, wine, and intoxicating liquor. The reason the hospitality industry is highly regulated is to protect public safety and to minimize underage drinking, public drunkenness, and drunken driving. Allowing for…