License Type and Fees

There are two types of Beverage Operator's Licenses - see the chart below for details.

License fees are non-refundable and due at the time of application filing.  Fees can be paid by cash, check payable to City Treasurer or credit with a convenience fee.

If you have questions, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 608-789-7510 or email licenses@cityoflacrosse.org.

 
What steps are necessary to obtain a license?

• Complete the "Responsible Beverage Server" course and print certificate, if necessary.*
• Complete Application for Beverage Operator License.
• Submit to the City Clerk's Office with applicable fee.

Applications must be complete (legible and signed) and be accompanied by the required documentation* and applicable fee.  

Applications/forms, including any applicable filing fee, for the City Clerk may be mailed, dropped off during public service hours or deposited in the GREEN drop box on the north side of City Hall.  Place application and respective fee in a sealed envelope to the attention of City Clerk's Office.

*If this is an original application, the Responsible Beverage Server certification must accompany the application.
*If transferring a license from another Wisconsin municipality, a copy of the license must accompany the application.

Additional Information - click HERE for pdf Instruction Sheet

Department of Revenue Fact Sheet - Operator's Licenses (8.20.2018) 

When is a beverage operator’s license required?
Any person 18 years of age or older who is serving, selling or dispensing alcohol beverages must obtain an operator’s license, unless under the immediate supervision of a person with an operator’s license or agent of the licensed establishment. “Immediate supervision” means the operator or agent must be able to, at all times, see and hear the activities of those persons serving alcohol beverages.

Is the license good anywhere in the State of Wisconsin?
No; only in the city limits of La Crosse. Each municipality licenses separately.

When is a beverage operator’s license likely to be denied by the Police Department?
Subject to Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Act, the applicant may not have been convicted of a felony, which substantially relates to the alcohol beverage licensing activity, or be a “habitual law offender.” If any delinquent or outstanding fine/fees/charges are due the City, there will be a hold placed on the license until proof of payment is presented.

If your license is recommended for denial, you may appeal the denial by requesting a hearing before the Judiciary & Administration Committee no later than 4:30p on the 15th of the month.  Appeal hearings are scheduled through the City Clerk's Office.

What are some training options?
"Legal/Responsible Beverage Server Course” (online) approved by the Department of Revenue.

Do I have to take the training?
Yes, unless you: (1) have taken the training within the last two years, (2) have held a beverage operator’s license from any municipality in Wisconsin within the last two years, (3) have been an agent on a retail license within the last two years or (4) are applying for a 14-day temporary beverage operator’s license.

May I work once the license fee is paid?
If with another licensed operator or the agent, yes. If working alone, no. A receipt is not a license.

When will a license be mailed to me?
The license will be issued by the City Clerk and mailed following approved background and delinquency checks.  Please allow approximately 10-15 days.

Pursuant to Resolution 17-1333, view the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s handout titled Engaging Bystanders to Prevent Sexual Violence as sexual violence prevention is a relevant local concern.

Questions?

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