Overview of license 

An Operator License (commonly referred to as a Bartender license) is required for any person who sells or serves fermented malt beverage, wine, or liquor in the City of Wauwatosa. This license is a one-year license expiring June 30 of each year.

You do not need a license if you are under the immediate supervision of someone that has an operator's license or is the approved agent of an establishment. However, please know the City of Wauwatosa strongly recommends that each seller and server apply for an Operator license as it is highly unlikely that each unlicensed employee will be under the immediate supervision at all times. The Wauwatosa Police Department regularly conducts compliance checks.

The Operator License allows you to work at any licensed establishment including festivals or fairs within the City of Wauwatosa. If you will be employed at an establishment outside of the City of Wauwatosa limits, you will need to contact the Clerk's office for at that municipality for instructions on how to obtain a license. Each municipality has their own application forms, fees and requirements.

Application

You can apply online using this self-service portal. You can upload any needed documents and process payments online.

License Fee

The license fee is $70 and includes the record check fee. You may pay by cash, check, debit or credit card. Please make all checks payable to the City of Wauwatosa. Payment is due at the time the application is submitted. Some establishments may reimburse the operator/bartender for the license fee.

Record Check

A record check will be completed by the City Clerk’s Office. The record check can take up to 1-5 business days to process.  If you have drug, traffic (including speeding and parking), liquor/tobacco violations, or domestic battery charges that occurred 5 years or less than the date of your application, you will be invited to speak to the Government Affairs Committee. The Government Affairs Committee meets two times per month, and they make recommendations to Council to approve or deny your license application.

Provisional License

If there are no drug, liquor/tobacco or domestic battery charges on your record within the last two years, a provisional license can be issued. This is valid for up to 60 days, and cannot be renewed or extended. Please note that a provisional license can only be issued once the record check is completed unless you held an Operator's license in another municipality and present a certified copy of your license signed by the clerk or deputy clerk of that municipality. You must also show proof that you passed the Responsible Beverage Server's course in order to obtain your regular license.

Temporary License

The license fee is $20 and includes the record check fee. A temporary license is valid for any period from 1-14 days and may be issued to operators employed by or donating their services to a nonprofit corporation. Only 2 licenses of this type may be issued per year.

Applicants who apply for a temporary operator's license are not required to complete a Wisconsin Department of Revenue approved course.

Responsible Beverage Server's Course

State law requires that applicants complete a Wisconsin Department of Revenue approved course if they have neither held a license, acted as an agent of an establishment, nor completed the course within the last two years. Proof must be supplied before a license will be issued. The City of Wauwatosa does not endorse nor administer any of these programs. Any issues you have concerning registration, student certification, fees, certificates, etc. must be directed to the individual vendor for resolution. See the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's list of Responsible Beverage Server training courses approved for certification in the State of Wisconsin.

Related Municipal Ordinance

The sale of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages is regulated by Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin Statues and  Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 6.08.