Frequently
Alcohol Beverage
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Who needs a bartender's license?
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How do I enroll in the responsible beverage server course?
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Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for an alcohol beverage license?
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Can I be granted an alcohol beverage license if I have a criminal record?
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If I hold a license to operate an alcohol beverage establishment, are members of my family required to have a bartender's license to work for me?
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As an operator of a store (e.g. barber shop, jewelry store, car dealership, hair salon, etc.) may I offer free beer or wine to customers as part of a "grand opening" or other business event?
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May employees under the age of 21 of a business holding an alcohol beverage establishment license attend a private company party held on the licensed premises if the sale or serving of alcohol is restricted to invited guests and employees who are over the age of 21?
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What type of entertainment is permitted at licensed alcohol beverage establishments?
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If I already hold a Class "B" Manager's license, do I also need a separate bartender's license to serve alcohol?
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If a premises currently has an alcohol beverage license, does that mean that any new applicant for that location will automatically be granted a license?
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Do you have a list of taverns that are for sale?
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Do I need to have a liquor license to consume alcohol at a picnic outing held in a Milwaukee County Park?
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Do I need to have a liquor license to give away alcohol as prizes in a raffle?
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Can I use my Class "B" license to cater events at other locations?
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Entertainment
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Do I need a license or permit to busk in the City of Milwaukee?
Fees
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Do I have to pay the license fee when I apply?
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Can I pay my license fee by credit or debit card?
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Is my license fee refundable?
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How much is the late fee for filing my renewal license application after the filing deadline?
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When is the deadline for my renewal license application to be filed in order to avoid being charged a late fee?
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How much does a duplicate copy of a license cost?
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Food-Related
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What are the regulations relating to temporary restaurants?
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Can I slaughter live animals on site at my food business?
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What are the requirements for my food truck/peddler unit?
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Can I prepare food at home for my upcoming temporary event?
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Miscellaneous
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How do I apply for a marriage license?
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How do I apply for a business license?
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I checked the list of licenses and my business does not fall in any of those categories, what do I need?
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How do I obtain an occupancy permit?
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How do I obtain a state seller's permit?
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Where do I go for fingerprinting?
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Who is my alderperson?
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When is the next Licenses Committee or Public Works Committee meeting?
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Are nicotine-free hookahs allowed in bars and restaurants?
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Home Improvement Contractor
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Do I need a license to install or repair a fence or garage on a residential property?
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Can I pull a permit while waiting for my license to be issued?
Lobbying
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How much does it cost to register as a lobbyist?
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When am I required to renew my lobbyist registration?
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Is a person a lobbyist if that person contacts the member of the Common Council who represents the district in which he or she resides to request that certain action be taken?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is employed as a manager of a company and contacts city officials to urge support for granting to the company certain permits or licenses, or appears on behalf of the company at a meeting of a Common Council committee to urge support for granting to the company certain permits or licenses?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if the person under scenario #4 is the owner of the company and not an employee? Does the determination of a lobbyist depend upon whether the person owns or controls an interest in the company above a certain percentage?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if the person under scenario #4 is an attorney retained by the owner to represent the company before a city board, commission or committee?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person, who is a member of the Board of Directors for a nonprofit corporation and is not paid for his or her service on the board, contacts members of the Common Council to solicit support for the allocation of grant funds to the corporation, or appears on behalf of the corporation at a meeting of a Common Council committee to urge approval of the allocation of grant funds to the corporation?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is employed as the executive director of a community-based organization and contacts the director of the Community Development Block Grant Administration regarding the organization's application for grant funds?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person, as a volunteer member or officer of a neighborhood organization or civic group contacts several members of a city board, commission or committee to request that certain action be taken?
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Is a person who is employed by a principal required to register as a lobbyist if the person meets separately with several city officials within a single reporting period to lobby on behalf of the principal, even though each meeting related to a different matter and no one meeting lasted for 2 hours or more?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person, as the paid executive director of a nonprofit corporation which has entered into a contract with the City to provide certain services, submits to city officials, as required under the terms of the contract, written reports related to the need for the services?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is employed as an architect or engineer and meets with a plan examiner on behalf of a client regarding a project?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if the person represents a client who is the successful bidder on a city land sale request for proposal and meets with a city employee who is required to file an SEI to discuss the need for zoning or design changes on the property?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person appears on behalf of a client before the Board of Zoning Appeals, City Plan Commission or Historic Preservation Commission to answer questions about a project seeking the approvals of those bodies?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person meets with employees who are on the payrolls of the Housing Authority and Redevelopment Authority?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is a vendor who contacts a city official to promote a product?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person has received an order to abate a nuisance or code violation and contacts city officials regarding the matter?
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Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is a county official and contacts a city official urging support for an intergovernmental cooperation agreement? Who would be the principal?
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How is the amount of time a lobbyist has spent engaged in lobbying determined if the lobbyist appears for several minutes before a city board, commission or committee in an attempt to influence a legislative or administrative action, but waited for several hours before being heard?
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Is a person a lobbyist if the person is an owner of a business or a member of an organization and contacts the member of the Common Council who represents the district in which the business or organization is located to request that certain action be taken, even though the owner or member resides in another aldermanic district or municipality?
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What regulations have been established by the lobbying ordinance, which restrict a person who has registered as a lobbyist from contributing to the election campaign of a city official?
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If a person has been issued a lobbying license to engaged in lobbying on behalf of a principal, and desires to engage in lobbying on behalf of another principal, does the person need to apply and pay an additional fee for a license to lobby on behalf of the second principal?
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Public Passenger Vehicles
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Is there any restriction on how old of a vehicle I can operate as a taxicab?
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Is there any restriction on the number of luxury limousine permits that can be issued?
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Is a Public Passenger Vehicle permit or driver's license required for the operation of a day care vehicle?
Seasonal
- What licenses or permits do I need to operate a Christmas tree lot?
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Answers
Alcohol Beverage
1. Who needs a bartender's license?
A bartender's license allows an individual to sell or serve alcohol at any licensed Class "A", Class "B", or Class "C" establishment in the city of Milwaukee.
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2. How can I enroll in the responsible beverage server course?
ALL NEW APPLICANTS must successfully complete an approved Responsible Beverage Server Training Course, such as courses offered by the Milwaukee Area Technical College 414-297-8370, or a similar approved course (see "Training" on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's website at revenue.wi.gov).
Applicants must provide proof of course completion by submitting a copy of the certificate to the License Division.
Applicants attending Wisconsin C.A.R. E., T.I.P.S. or N.R.A. training courses must have certificates/diplomas, which indicate that the course complies with ss. 125.04 and 125.17, Wis. Stats.
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3. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for an alcohol beverage license?
U.S. Citizenship is not required for applicants of alcohol beverage licenses, but there are certain residency requirements. Individuals, partners, agents of a corporation or limited liability company must have been a resident of the state of Wisconsin for at least 90 days prior to the date of the application. The residency requirement also applies to applicants for Class "B" Manager's licenses.
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4. Can I be granted an alcohol beverage license if I have a criminal record?
The common council, consistent with ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, Wis. Stats., may refuse to grant a license to any person who has been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor or other offense the circumstances of which substantially relate to the particular licensed activity.
Any applicant for a Class "D" Bartender's license or Class "B" Manager's license shall not have been convicted of 2 or more offenses during the last 3 years relating to serving minors or intoxicated persons.
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5. If I hold a license to operate an alcohol beverage establishment, are members of my family required to have a bartender's license to work for me?
Family members of a person holding a license to operate an alcohol beverage establishment are exempt from having to first have a Class "D" bartender's license in order to serve or sell alcohol beverages on the licensed premise if all of the following requirements are met:
- The premises must be licensed to an individual or partnership, and not a corporation or limited liability corporation.
- The person must be a member of the license holder's immediate family. The license holder's immediate family includes a spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. The license holder's immediate family does not include any brothers or sisters.
- The person must be at least 21 years of age. If the person is under 21 years of age but at least 18 years of age, the person may also serve or sell alcohol beverages, but only under the immediate supervision of the license holder, another member of the license holder's immediate family who is at least 21 years of age, or a person holding a valid Class "D" bartender's license.
- The person must reside in the same household as the license holder.
- The person is only exempt from having to have a Class "D" bartender's license when serving or selling alcohol beverages at the same premises for which the immediate family member holds a license.
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6. As an operator of a store (e.g. barber shop, jewelry store, car dealership, hair salon, etc.) may I offer free beer or wine to customers as part of a "grand opening" or other business event?
Wisconsin state law requires an alcohol beverage license in order to sell, or offer for sale, barter or give away liquor, wine or beer. Likewise, state law prohibits the consumption of alcohol beverages at any premise not first holding an alcohol beverage license.
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7. May employees under the age of 21 of a business holding an alcohol beverage establishment license attend a private company party held on the licensed premises if the sale or serving of alcohol is restricted to invited guests and employees who are over the age of 21?
Wisconsin state law provides that persons under the age of 21 may not be on the licensed premises to attend a private company party unless the employee is accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse of legal drinking age, regardless of whether alcohol beverages are sold or offered at no charge.
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8. What type of entertainment is permitted at licensed alcohol beverage establishments?
Alcohol beverage establishments holding a Class "B" Tavern, Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage or Class "C" Wine license are permitted to provide entertainment on the premises provided the establishment first holds a Public Entertainment Premises License. The type of entertainment permitted is restricted by the type of entertainment that has been approved and listed on the license. Licensees may also apply for a Temporary Public Entertainment Premises Permit for events lasting 4 or fewer days (or up to 14 days for carnivals).
Note: On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, any alcohol beverage establishment holding a Class "B" Tavern, Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage or Class "C" Wine license is permitted to provide live music and allow dancing on the premises without an entertainment license, and without any restrictions relating to permitted hours of entertainment.
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9. If I already hold a Class "B" Manager's license, do I also need a separate bartender's license to serve alcohol?
A Class "B" Manager's license is issued to a person for a specific licensed establishment. Any person holding a manager's license can sell or serve alcohol beverages without holding a separate Class "D" Operator's (bartender's) license only at the specific licensed premises for which his or her manager's license has been issued. Any person holding a manager's license is required to hold a separate bartender's license only if the person desires to sell or serve alcohol beverages at an establishment other than the establishment for which his or her manager's license has been issued.
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10. If a premises currently has an alcohol beverage license, does that mean that any new applicant for that same location will automatically be granted a license?
The fact that a premises currently holds, or previously has held, an alcohol beverage retail establishment license does not automatically provide or otherwise guarantee that a new applicant for the same location will be granted an alcohol license. The fact that a premises currently holds an alcohol license relates to the fitness of the location to be operated as a licensed premises, which is one of several factors considered at the time an alcohol license is granted.
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11. Do you have a list of taverns that are for sale?
The City Clerk's Office-License Division does not maintain a list of taverns that are currently for sale; however, you may wish to contact the Department of City Development for assistance in identifying commercial space suitable for your business needs. More information is available at the following webpage: city.milwaukee.gov/DCD/CityRealEstate
12. Do I need to have a liquor license to consume alcohol at a picnic outing held in a Milwaukee County Park?
Permits for consumption in Milwaukee County Parks are issued by Milwaukee County. For more information visit their site: http://county.milwaukee.gov/Picnic9058.htm
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13. Do I need to have a liquor license to give away alcohol as prizes in a raffle?
Any organization that holds a raffle license from the Gaming Commission under s. 563.90, Wis. Stats., is not required to hold a retail alcohol beverage license in order to award alcohol beverages in original, unopened containers as prizes to persons of legal drinking age at raffles conducted by the organization. See Raffle Information under Charitable Gaming on the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Gaming website.
14. Can I use my Class "B" license to cater events at other locations?
The owner, lessee, or person in charge of a public place may not permit the consumption of alcohol beverages in a public place unless the person has an appropriate license under s. 125.09(1), Wis. Stats. Examples of public places include open houses, grand openings, and events held at locations that cater to the general public.
Alcohol beverages may be dispensed and consumed (not sold) at a nonlicensed premises if the event conducted is a private function and is not open to the public. The sale of all alcohol beverages used at the function must be made at the caterer's licensed premises, at which time they become the property of the purchaser. Any alcohol beverages so purchased and not used may not be returned to the caterer. Consignment sales are illegal. The caterer may supply personnel to dispense alcohol beverages at catered functions. It is illegal to have a "cash bar" at events where alcohol beverages have been catered in.
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Entertainment
1. Do I need a license or permit to busk in the City of Milwaukee?
No license or permit is required to busk.
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Fees
1. Do I have to pay the license fee when I apply?
All license applicants, except those applying for alcohol beverage establishment licenses, must submit the appropriate fee upon application. If the fee is not paid, the application will not be processed. Checks or money orders must be made payable to: City of Milwaukee.
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2. Can I pay my license fee by credit or debit card?
License fees can be paid with a credit card via E-Payment or in person at the License Division.
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3. Is my license fee refundable?
Effective January 1, 2007, applicants are eligible to submit a refund request during the following periods of time for a partial refund of license or permit fees if an application is withdrawn, or if such permit or license is denied or not issued:
If the following has occurred...
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Then any request for a refund must be submitted on or before...
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Application Withdrawn |
One year from date of withdrawal
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Application Denied |
One year from date of denial
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License Granted |
One year from date of granting
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License Issued |
Date of issuance only
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None of the above |
One year from date of application
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Applicants may submit a request for a refund completing a Refund Request Form.
The refundable portion of the fee is equal to the amount of license or permit fee paid less the following nonrefundable portion retained to defray application processing costs:
Type of License or Permit
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Amount of Fee Not Refundable
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Alarm Business License |
$125
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Any other license or permit |
$25, if the permit or license fee is less than $100
$50, if the permit or license fee is $100 to $174
$75, if the permit or license fee is $175 or more
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If eligible, the applicant should receive the refund within 6 weeks.
If you have a question as to whether you are eligible for a refund or the amount of the refund, click here. You must include your license type, license number (if possible), your full name, and address.
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4. How much is the late fee for filing my renewal license application after the filing deadline?
License and permit holders who file renewal applications after established application filing deadlines are required to pay the following late application fees:
Type of License or Permit
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Late Filing Fee
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Class "A" or Class "B" Intoxicating Liquor License
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$25
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Alarm Business License
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$25
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Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverage or Class "C" Wine License
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$25
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Extended Hours Establishment License
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$25
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Auto Wrecker or Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealer's License
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$25
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Food Dealer or Food Peddler |
$75 |
Any other license or permit
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$25
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Note: If more than one renewal application related to alcohol beverage retail establishment licenses or related licenses (e.g. cigarette, public entertainment, etc.) are filed late by the same applicant for the same premises, then payment of only the highest applicable late filing fee is required.
It is recommended that renewal applications be filed as early as possible in order to avoid the assessment of a late application fee as a result of an incorrect or incomplete application being returned to the applicant.
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5. How much does a duplicate copy of a license cost?
The fee for a duplicate copy of any license or permit is $11. License and permit holders are required to provide proof of identity whenever requesting a duplicate copy. See form ccl-100 for a list of authorized forms of identification.
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Food
2. Can I slaughter live animals on site at my food business?
If slaughtering of live animals is to take place on site, licensing must first be obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture prior to applying for a license through the License Division.
4. Can I prepare food at home for my upcoming temporary event?
No, all food must be prepared on site or in a licensed commercial kitchen.
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Miscellaneous
2. How do I apply for a business license?
The City of Milwaukee does not issue general business licenses. Licenses are required for specific types of businesses. To determine whether your type of business requires a license, click here.
An occupancy permit is required for all businesses occupying premises in the city of Milwaukee. Contact the Development Center, Permit Desk, 809 N. Broadway, 1st Floor, 414-286-8211, city.milwaukee.gov/permits for details.
If you still have questions regarding whether you need a license, please contact our office by e-mail or by phone 414-286-2238 and we will be happy to assist you.
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4. How do I obtain an occupancy permit?
Contact the Development Center, Permit Desk, 809 N. Broadway, 1st Floor, 414-286-8211, city.milwaukee.gov/permits for details.
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5. How do I obtain a state seller's permit?
A State Seller's Tax Number may be obtained from the State of Wisconsin, 819 N. 6th St., Room 408, 414-227-4000, www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/pcs-seller.aspx
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6. Where do I go for fingerprinting?
Report to the Police Administration Building, 951 N. James Lovell Street (7th St), Room 305, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to be fingerprinted. If you do not reside in the area, contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7281 to find out how to comply with the fingerprint requirement. [ View Map ]
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9. Are nicotine-free hookahs allowed in bars and restaurants?
Tobacco-free and nicotine-free hookah can be "smoked" inside businesses as long as the management approves. An additional retail cigarette/tobacco license is not required if this is the only product sold on site. Persons under the age of 18 can purchase and "smoke" the product.
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Home Improvement Contractor
1. Do I need a license to install or repair a fence or garage on a residential property?
Yes, a license is required to install, repair, service, improve, or remodel fences or accessory buildings attached to an existing home or residential building not exceeding 6 living units. Accessory buildings are on the same lot as the principal structure and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal structure or use. Examples include but are not limited to garages, sheds, dog houses, kennels, and car ports.
2. Can I pull a permit while waiting for my license to be issued?
No, your license must be issued before pulling permits.
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Lobbying
1. How much does it cost to register as a lobbyist?
Each registration for a person to engage in lobbying is $125 per principal, regardless of the number of principals registered by the same person in a calendar year.
Registrants employed by or who contract with or receive economic consideration from a government department, agency or organization of another political subdivision within the state of Wisconsin; another state; or the federal government shall be exempt from paying the fee, provided the registrants are solely engaged in matters of governmental interest concerning their respective governmental body and the city of Milwaukee.
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2. When am I required to renew my lobbyist registration?
Each registration for a person to engage in lobbying is issued for the calendar year. The registration expires on December 31 of each year, irrespective of the date on which the registration was issued. A person is not permitted to renew a registration until after the current registration has expired, and then is not required to renew the expired registration until that person engages in lobbying on behalf of the principal for 2 or more hours within a single reporting period. A person is required to register within 15 days of meeting the 2-hour threshold.
Example: Your lobbyist registration expired on December 31. You do not reach the 2-hour threshold until March 1 in the new calendar year. You have until March 16 of that year to renew your lobbyist registration.
In the event a person engages in lobbying on behalf of multiple principals, the 15-day grace period within which a lobbyist is required to register does not begin until the 2-hour threshold has been met on behalf of a particular principal.
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3. Is a person a lobbyist if that person contacts the member of the Common Council who represents the district in which he or she resides to request that certain action be taken?
The person is not a lobbyist because the person is communicating with the Common Council member who represents the district in which the person resides, regardless of whether the person is paid to make the contact or is making the contact on the behalf of another person. See s.305-51-2.
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4. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is employed as a manager of a company and contacts city officials to urge support for granting to the company certain permits or licenses, or appears on behalf of the company at a meeting of a Common Council committee to urge support for granting to the company certain permits or licenses?
Because the person is employed by a principal and is engaged in lobbying on behalf of the principal, the person is required to register as a lobbyist whenever he or she engages in lobbying for 2 or more hours within a single reporting period; however, the calculation of time spent engaged in lobbying does not include appearances before a city board, commission or committee or contact with the member of the Common Council who represents the district in which the person resides. See ss. 305-43-5 and 7, and 305-45-1.
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5. Is a person engaged in lobbying if the person under scenario #4 is the owner of the company and not an employee? Does the determination of a lobbyist depend upon whether the person owns or controls an interest in the company above a certain percentage?
The owner is a principal because he or she is engaged in lobbying on behalf of a company which he or she owns, and, the owner is required to register as a lobbyist if he or she engages in lobbying for 2 or more hours within a single reporting period; however, the calculation of time spent engaged in lobbying does not include appearances before a city board, commission or committee or contact with the member of the Common Council who represents the district in which the owner resides. The ordinance does not establish threshold requirements relating to the percentage of a company a person must own or control an interest in before registration as a lobbyist is required. See ss. 305-43-4 and 8, 305-45-3, and 305-45-1.
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6. Is a person engaged in lobbying if the person under scenario #4 is an attorney retained by the owner to represent the company before a city board, commission or committee?
Because representing a person in a quasi judicial proceeding involves activities which are the practice of law, attorneys engaging in any of the following activities are not subject to the provisions of the lobbying ordinance:
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Representing an applicant or licensee before the Licenses Committee or before the entire Common Council.
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Representing a person who has filed a claim against the city, before the Judiciary and Legislation Committee.
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Representing an appellant before the Administrative Review Appeals Board.
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Representing an appellant before the Board of Standards and Appeals.
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Representing an applicant before the Board of Zoning Appeals.
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Representing a candidate before the Board of City Election Commissioners.
See s. 305-51-1-e.
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7. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person, who is a member of the Board of Directors for a nonprofit corporation and is not paid for his or her service on the board, contacts members of the Common Council to solicit support for the allocation of grant funds to the corporation, or appears on behalf of the corporation at a meeting of a Common Council committee to urge approval of the allocation of grant funds to the corporation?
The member of the Board of Directors is not required to register as a lobbyist because the member is not paid for his or her services on the board. In addition, lobbying does not include appearances by any person before a city board, commission or committee. See s. 305-43-5 and 6.
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8. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is employed as the executive director of a community-based organization and contacts the director of the Community Development Block Grant Administration regarding the organization's application for grant funds?
The person is not engaged in lobbying if the contact with a city official is limited to inquiries regarding the grant application. In the event the person goes beyond the inquiry and attempts to influence the legislative or administrative action of a city official, the person is engaged in lobbying because the person is employed by the organization. The person is required to register as a lobbyist if he or she engages in lobbying for 2 or more hours within a single reporting period. See ss. 305-43-6, 305-51-1-h and 305-45-1.
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9. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person, as a volunteer member or officer of a neighborhood organization or civic group contacts several members of a city board, commission or committee to request that certain action be taken?
A volunteer member or officer is not required to register as a lobbyist because he or she is not paid for his or her services to the organization or group. Reimbursement for actual expenses incurred while performing activities on behalf of the organization or group is not payment to the member or officer to engage in lobbying. See ss. 305-43-5 to 7.
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10. Is a person who is employed by a principal required to register as a lobbyist if the person meets separately with several city officials within a single reporting period to lobby on behalf of the principal, even though each meeting related to a different matter and no one meeting lasted for 2 hours or more?
The person is required to register as a lobbyist if the accumulated time spent lobbying on behalf of the same principal is for 2 or more hours within a single reporting period, regardless of the number or length of the meetings and the number and identities of the legislative or administrative matters. See ss. 305-43-6 and 12, and 305-45-1.
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11. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person, as the paid executive director of a nonprofit corporation which has entered into a contract with the City to provide certain services, submits to city officials, as required under the terms of the contract, written reports related to the need for the services?
The executive director is not engaged in lobbying because requests for information from a city official and the furnishing of that information when the official is acting in an official capacity is communication that is exempt from the lobbying ordinance. See s. 305-51-1-g.
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12. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is employed as an architect or engineer and meets with a plan examiner on behalf of a client regarding a project?
A person is not subject to the lobbying ordinance if the person is an architect, engineer or other design professional, acting on behalf of a client, while performing a duty or service within the definition of the practice of his or her profession. See s. 305-51-1-L.
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13. Is a person engaged in lobbying if the person represents a client who is the successful bidder on a city land sale request for proposal and meets with a city employee who is required to file an SEI to discuss the need for zoning or design changes on the property?
Unless otherwise exempt from the lobbying ordinance, the person is engaged in lobbying because the person is attempting to influence legislative or administrative actions and is required to register as a lobbyist if his or her total time lobbying for the client equals or exceeds 2 hours within a single reporting period, regardless of whether any one meeting lasts 2 hours or more. See ss.305-43-4 and 6, 305-45-1 and 305-51.
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14. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person appears on behalf of a client before the Board of Zoning Appeals, City Plan Commission or Historic Preservation Commission to answer questions about a project seeking the approvals of those bodies?
The person is not engaged in lobbying because lobbying does not include appearances by any person before a city board, commission or committee. See s. 305-43-5.
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15. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person meets with employees who are on the payrolls of the Housing Authority and Redevelopment Authority?
Because the agencies are separate corporate entities, the employees are not city officials. Therefore, the lobbying ordinance would not apply to any activity relating to matters handled by those agencies. See ss. 305-43-2 and 4.
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16. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is a vendor who contacts a city official to promote a product?
The person is not engaged in lobbying if the person is merely responding to a request for information from a city official, or is making an inquiry during a contract or bidding process. The person is engaged in lobbying whenever the person contacts a city official in an attempt to influence legislative or administrative action; however, the person is not required to register as a lobbyist until the person has engaged in lobbying for 2 or more hours. See s. 305-43-4 and 6, 305-45-1 and 305-51-1-g and h.
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17. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person has received an order to abate a nuisance or code violation and contacts city officials regarding the matter?
The person in not engaged in lobbying because an action related to an enforcement action commenced by a written order, a citation or a summons and complaint is not an administrative action subject to the provisions of the lobbying ordinance. See s. 305-43-1.
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18. Is a person engaged in lobbying if that person is a county official and contacts a city official urging support for an intergovernmental cooperation agreement? Who would be the principal?
The person is engaged in lobbying and is required to register as a lobbyist if he or she has engaged in lobbying for 2 or more hours within a single reporting period. The principal is the government department, agency or organization which employs the person; however, the ordinance provides that a principal is exempt from paying the registration fee if the principal is a government department, agency or organization of another political subdivision within the state of Wisconsin; another state; or the federal government. See ss.305-43-8 and 305-45-4.
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19. How is the amount of time a lobbyist has spent engaged in lobbying determined if the lobbyist appears for several minutes before a city board, commission or committee in an attempt to influence a legislative or administrative action, but waited for several hours before being heard?
Lobbying does not include appearances by any person before a city board, commission or committee. See s. 305-43-5.
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20. Is a person a lobbyist if the person is an owner of a business or a member of an organization and contacts the member of the Common Council who represents the district in which the business or organization is located to request that certain action be taken, even though the owner or member resides in another aldermanic district or municipality?
A person communicating with the Common Council member who represents the district in which the person resides is not subject to the provisions of the lobbying ordinance. Because a person is defined under the lobbying ordinance to include any corporation, association, limited liability company or partnership, an owner of a business or member of an organization communicating with the Common Council member who represents the district in which the business or organization is located is not subject to the provisions of the lobbying ordinance, regardless of where the owner or member resides. See ss. 305-43-7 and 305-51-2.
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21. What regulations have been established by the lobbying ordinance, which restrict a person who has registered as a lobbyist from contributing to the election campaign of a city official?
No new provisions have been established by the lobbying ordinance, which prohibit or restrict registrants from contributing to the election campaigns of city officials.
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22. If a person has been issued a lobbying license to engage in lobbying on behalf of a principal, and desires to engage in lobbying on behalf of another principal, does the person need to apply and pay an additional fee for a license to lobby on behalf of the second principal?
A lobbyist engaged in lobbying on behalf of multiple principals is required to obtain a separate license and pay a $125 registration fee for each principal represented. See s. 81-73-2.
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Public Passenger Vehicles
1. Is there any restriction on how old of a vehicle I can operate as a taxicab?
No new or renewal public passenger permits for taxicabs may be issued for motor vehicles of model years greater than 10 years old at the time of application and no public passenger permits for taxicabs shall be transferred to any motor vehicles of model years greater than 10 years old at the time of replacement. This age of vehicle restriction does not apply to any other types of public passenger vehicles, such as luxury limousines or shuttle vehicles.
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2. Is there any restriction on the number of taxicab or luxury limousine permits that can be issued in Milwaukee?
There are no restrictions on the number of public passenger vehicle permits that can be issued in Milwaukee, including taxicabs and luxury limousines.
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3. Is a Public Passenger Vehicle permit or driver's license required for the operation of a day care vehicle?
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS), Division of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Regulation and Licensing is responsible for the licensing and regulation of child care programs, which includes the regulation of center-provided and center-contracted transportation.
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Seasonal
1. What licenses or permits do I need to operate a Christmas tree lot?
The operator of a Christmas tree lot needs a seasonal market permit, available from the Development Center. The seasonal market permit provides permission required under the zoning ordinance to operate a seasonal market for up to 90 days. The permit fee is $75.
The operator also needs a state seller's permit relating to the payment of sales taxes. A state Seller's Tax Number may be obtained from the State of Wisconsin, 819 N. 6th St., Room 408, 414-227-4444.
In order to operate a Christmas tree lot on a vacant lot owned by the City of Milwaukee, the operator needs to enter into a short-term lease with the City for that purpose, in addition to getting the above mentioned seasonal market permit. Contact the Department of City Development's real estate office 414-286-5731 for more information.
In addition, a mobile seller's license issued by the City Clerk's Office is required if the operator is not a permanent merchant of the City of Milwaukee.
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