Overview of license 

An Operator's License (commonly referred to as a Bartender's 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's 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's 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 will need to upload your server's certificate (see below) or another license from another municipality. These cannot be expired.

License Fee

The license fee is $70 and includes a background check fee. These fees will be invoiced to you once we review your application. You may pay by cash, check, debit or credit card in person at City Hall, through the self-service portal, or by mail. Please make all checks payable to the City of Wauwatosa, and mail to City of Wauwatosa - City Clerk, 7725 W North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Please note if the fee isn't paid within 2 weeks of the issuance of the invoice, we will void the application.

Some establishments may reimburse the operator/bartender for the license fee.

Background Check

A background 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 1-2 times per month, and they make recommendations to Council to approve or deny your license application.

Provisional License

A provisional license is issued to new applicants during the months of May-June when applying before the July 1 licensing period start date. This license is good for 60 days and acts as a buffer until your regular license is issued, which will be sometime before July 1. The fee is $15. 

Temporary  License

The license fee is $20 and includes the background check fee. A temporary license is valid for any period from 1-14 days and may be issued to operator's 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.