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In the state of Wisconsin, all bartenders and servers of alcoholic beverages are required to receive an ‘Operator’s License,’ otherwise known as a Bartender’s License. In Wisconsin, this training is known as Responsible Beverage Server Training.
Although licensing is mandatory on the state level, once you receive a license, it is only valid in the municipality where you received it. That means, if you would like to bartend in multiple municipalities, or you plan on moving from one to another, you will have to go through licensing twice.
Overview
| License Required? | Yes |
| Years Valid | 2 |
| Deadline | Within 180 days of employment |
| Governing Body | Department of Revenue |
Minimum Qualifications to Receive a Wisconsin Operator’s License
In order to qualify for a license to sell or serve alcohol in Wisconsin, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years old
- Cannot have been convicted of a felony or be a “habitual law offender”
- Must complete an approved responsible beverage server training course (explained below)
Responsible Beverage Server Training Courses for Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has approved a handful of Responsible Beverage Server training course providers. These providers can be broken up into two categories: Classroom Instruction Providers and Online Instruction Providers.
As you will see below, many of the approved companies provide both classroom and online courses, making it easy to get licensed in whatever format you prefer.
Our suggestion: Go with the online option as it is quick, cheap, easy, and you are able to get licensed from the comfort of your home. We suggest going with the option from Serving Alcohol as they are the only approved Wisconsin alcohol training provider endorsed by the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association. Learn more here.
Online Instruction Providers
Classroom Instruction Providers
Regardless of whether you choose an online or in-person option, the course will take approximately 4 hours to complete. At the end of the training, you will be taken to an exam where you must pass with an 80% or better. But don’t worry, if you don’t pass on the first try you are able to take it again after reviewing what you got wrong.
Once you finish your training from one of the above approved course providers, you will take your certificate to your municipality to apply for your finalized operator’s license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to sell or serve alcohol beverages in Wisconsin?
The minimum age to sell or serve alcoholic beverages in Wisconsin is 18 years old.
How long is a bartender’s license good for in Wisconsin?
According to Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue’s Alcohol enforcement division, an operator’s license is good for two years.
How long does it take to get a bartending license in Wisconsin
Approved courses generally take around four hours to complete the training and the exam. Of course, if you don’t pass the exam on the first try you may spend more time reviewing material before testing again.
