From Home Delivery to Happy Hour: The Complex Alcohol Laws in Wisconsin

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From Home Delivery to Happy Hour: The Complex Alcohol Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s alcohol laws balance liberal drinking culture with strict distribution controls, allowing home delivery under specific conditions while regulating happy hours tightly. Recent updates through 2026 expand carryout and delivery options for bars and restaurants.

Home Delivery Rules

Bars and restaurants with “Class B” liquor licenses can sell sealed, premixed cocktails or original-container alcohol for carryout or limited delivery, often paired with food orders. Third-party delivery is restricted, and local ordinances may add hurdles; deliveries must comply with open-container transport laws.

Happy Hour Regulations

Happy hours offering discounted drinks are banned statewide since 2015 to curb overconsumption, but “drink specials” like two-for-one deals or daily discounts are allowed if not time-limited to specific hours. Bars can promote low-price happy hours via ads, but no volume discounts during peak times.​

Key Limits

  • Sales end at 2 a.m. for taverns; Sunday “Class C” operations need special permits.
  • Farm venues gained limited beer/wine permits in 2026 for events, easing wedding alcohol service.​

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