Wisconsin retail alcohol beverage licensing is determined by off-site consumption (Class A) or on-site consumption (Class B & Class C).  New applications must be submitted by 12:00pm, at least 15 days prior to the next city council meeting.  The Eau Claire City Council considers all application requests and votes to either grant or deny the license.  Click here for a full schedule of meeting dates and deadlines.  

• License Fee is charged at the current Fee & License Schedule rate.  License period is July 1 – June 30.  Fees are non-refundable.
• Review city ordinance 5.28 Alcohol Beverages, Wisconsin DOR Publication 302 and Wisconsin DOR Fact Sheets.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Combination Class B licenses are quota limited based on Wisconsin State Statutes.  Currently there are no licenses available, unless an existing licenses is surrendered from an existing business.  Surrender of License form must be completed and submitted with the license application.
• Reserve Combination Class B licenses are quota limited based on Wisconsin State Statutes.  Licenses of this category are currently available for application.
• Upon successful completion of background check, passing inspections, and City Council approval your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspections (building, electrical, HVAC & plumbing)

Off-site consumption license types

• Class A Beer & Class A Liquor - Cider Only
• Class A Liquor
• Combination Class A (allows for sale of all legal alcohol beverages in Wisconsin)

On-site consumption license types

• Class B Beer
• Class C Wine
• Combination Class B (Class B Beer & Class B Liquor)
• Reserve Combination Class B (Class B Beer & Reserve Class B Liquor)

Documents required for all Class A or Class B retail alcohol beverage application submissions to the City of Eau Claire include:

• Completed State of Wisconsin application forms AB-200, AB-100 & AB-101
• Copy of Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax permit
• Copy of lease, if you lease or plan to lease the proposed licensed premises
• Map of the proposed licensed premises describing and noting where alcohol will be served, stored and records kept
• Business plan specific to the alcohol service of the business, including:
  • plan for checking ID's
  • hours of operation
  • Total staff planed to be hired, and of those, how many staff will hold a City of Eau Claire bartender/operators license
• Proof appointed agent, sole proprietor, or all partners of a partnership have completed a State of Wisconsin approved responsible beverage server course within the prior two years
• License Review Committee attendance by an business owner(s) or agent.  Click here for the license review meeting date associated with City Council meeting dates.

ID Check Training

The Eau Claire Police Department and Eau Claire City-County Health Department offer a free ID Check Training throughout the year.  New retail alcohol license applicants are expected to register and attend the training.  Click here for more information on the next training.

Picnic / Temporary Class B Alcohol License 

• Wisconsin AB-220 & AB-100 forms are required
• Site plan including the following, if applicable:
  • dimensions of area where alcohol is to be sold & consumed
  • brief description of the event
  • type and placement of cooking equipment used
  • location of tents and/or fencing
  • entry and exit points

Agent Change for Alcohol Beverage License

Wisconsin state law requires retail alcohol beverage licensees to immediately notify the issuing municipality in writing of the appointment of a successor agent and the reason for the cancellation & new appointment.

• Wisconsin AB-100 & AB-101 forms are required.
• Fee is $10 to change agent effective during the current license year.

Expansion of Licensed Premises

Alcohol sales, service & storage are allowed only within the licensed premises description.  If you would like to expand your license, permanently or temporarily, an application including the following items is required:

• Letter addressed to City Council requesting an expansion of the licenses premises. 
• Security plan outlining how alcohol service in the proposed area will be handled.
• Site plan of the existing premises, plus the proposed expansion, including:
  • location of all entry & exit points
  • location & materials used for enclosing the proposed expansion
  • identify a reasonable separation barrier between any existing exterior smoking area and the smoke-free interior
• Upon successful completion of inspections and City Council granting the expansion, a license including the expansion will be issued.

Instructions for applying for an alcohol license

Considerations for serving alcohol at your event

Individuals who will draw, serve or sell alcohol within the City of Eau Claire should obtain a bartenders license.

• Review city ordinance 5.28.090 Operator's license and Wisconsin Statute 125.17 Issuance of operators' licenses.  Link to full ordinances above.
• At application, the applicant must submit proof of one of the following:
  • you currently hold a valid bartender/operator license from another Wisconsin municipality
  • you held a bartender/operator license from another Wisconsin municipality within the previous two years
  • you completed a State of Wisconsin approved bartender training course within the previous two years
  • you are currently enrolled in a State of Wisconsin approved bartender training course
• Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.  Upon successful background check a provisional license valid for 60 days will be issued for new applicants.
• Non-provisional bartender licenses are required to be granted by City Council.  Application request will be on the first eligible council meeting date, after approval of the background check.  After the license is granted, your bartender license expiring on the second June 30th, from council grant date, will be issued.

Click here for for a list of Responsible Beverage Server training courses currently approved for certification by the State of Wisconsin.

If your establishment holds a retail alcohol license allowing on-site consumption (Class B or Class C), and you have live music or license music and/or dancing, you will need a Cabaret license.

• Review city ordinance 5.26 Cabaret license.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Class A Cabaret allows for live music and/or dancing.
• Class B Cabaret allows for live music.
• License types require City Council granting prior to issuance.

The purpose of this license is to outline conditions under which city residents in certain residential districts may safely keep and maintain a limited number of allowable poultry to provide eggs for household use; to assure appropriate coops or structures in which to house poultry; and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general population of the City of Eau Claire and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WI DATCP).

• License period is January 1 - December 31. 
• Review city ordinance chapter 6.15 Keeping of Poultry. Link to full ordinances above.
• Site plan is required for coop location.
• If you do not own the licensed property, Owners Authorization form is required.
• See ordinance 6.15.030(4) regarding written notification of property owners within 100 feet of the proposed licensed property.
  • If no written objections are received, health department will coordinate an inspection with with you to approve the poultry operation.

• Review city ordinance chapter 5.06 Cigarettes Vendors, 9.38 Smoking, and Wisconsin Statute 134.65 Cigarette, Electronic Vaping devices, and Tobacco Products retail licenses.  Link to full ordinances above.
• The following State of Wisconsin application forms are required:
  • CTV-100 - Retail License Application
  • CTV-101 - Individual Questionnaire
  • CTV-102 - Appointment of Agent
• Copy of lease, if you lease or plan to lease the proposed licensed premises
• Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.  Upon successful background check your license will be issued.
  • State of Wisconsin CTV-101 form must be completed by each person involved in the applicant business.  This includes: a sole proprietor; all officers, agents of a corporation; all partners of a partnership; and all members and agents of a limited liability company.

ID Check Training

The Eau Claire Police Department and Eau Claire City-County Health Department offer a free ID Check Training throughout the year.  New licensees are encouraged to register and attend the training.  Click here for more information on the next training.

Direct Seller Permits, commonly referred to as a solicitor's permit, are required for individuals who are performing direct sales to customers (via door-to-door, kiosk, etc.) and have not had a business location established within the City of Eau Claire for at least one year.

• Review city ordinance 5.34 Direct Sellers and 13.12.060 Sale of goods.  Link to full ordinances above.
• License fee is charged at the current year Fee & License Schedule, and are non-refundable and not prorated.
• Direct Seller Permits are valid for 7 consecutive days from the date of issuance.
• An initial permit may be renewed multiple times, provided no complaints have been registered with Eau Claire Police Department or Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
• Each Direct Seller must be licensed.
• Two or more individuals who are employed as salespersons or in a related support work, who travel together in a group (traveling sales crews) for the purpose of selling consumer goods or services from house to house, on any street, or in public places are required to have a "Certificate of Registration" from the State of Wisconsin per Wisconsin Statute 103.34.
• A Police Department background check is required.  Please allow 7-10 business days for the background check.  Upon successful completion of background check, Licensing staff will contact you to verify permit start date.

City licensing staff work with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department for licensing of food trucks, restaurants and retail food establishments.  Upon receipt of an application, the health department will review the application and verify information, as needed, to determine the applicable license type(s) and fees.

Food Trucks & Trailers 

• A City of Eau Claire restaurant license and Mobile Food Unit Permit are required to operate within the City of Eau Claire on private property, in addition to applicable Health Department license(s).
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit number, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Copies of mobile permit and base permit are required, if your business is not located within Eau Claire County.
• Food trucks & trailers require an annual inspection from the Eau Claire Fire Department.  Click here for more information on the Fire Department Mobile Food Unit Permit.
• Click here for information from the City-County Health Department related to food protection.
• Click here for view information from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection regarding mobile food establishments.
• If you will only operate at a Special Event in the City of Eau Claire, please contact the City-County Health Department at 715-839-4718 and Eau Claire Fire Inspection Department at 715-839-4825 for proper licensing and permitting.
• Upon successful completion of inspections your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections

Operating your food truck/trailer in streets and parks

You may operate in streets and in parks during non-special event times by obtaining a Mobile Food Establishment license.

• See city ordinance 13.12.066 Mobile Food Establishments for all requirements.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Click here for a copy of a maps indicating the area where you may operate within each city park.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance with the following coverage is required:
  • $1,000,000 for any single accident and for any property damage

Restaurant & Retail Food

• Review city ordinance chapter 8.16 Food Service Establishments.   Link to full ordinances above.
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit number, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Click here for information from the City-County Health Department related to food protection.
• Upon successful completion of inspections your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspections (building, electrical, HVAC & plumbing)

For questions regarding food and restaurant licensing, please contact the City-County Health Department at 715-839-4718.

The purpose of this license is to outline certain requirements of sound beekeeping practice intended to prevent problems associated with the keeping of bees in populated areas, and to reduce the likelihood of a private or public nuisance.

• License period is January 1 - December 31.
• Review city ordinance chapter 6.14 Keeping of Honey Bees.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Site plan is required for hive location(s).
• If you do not own the licensed property, Owners Authorization form is required.
• Inspections are required annually:
  • New application - inspection is completed by Eau Claire City-County Health Department
  • Renewal application - inspection is completed by a State Apiary Inspector or a member of a local beekeeping organization approved by the Health Department
• See ordinance 6.14.030(H) regarding written notification of property owners within 100 feet of the proposed licensed property.  This applies to both new and renewal licenses.
  • If no written objections are received, applicant will coordinate an inspection with Health Department Inspector to approve the poultry operation.

Hotels & Motels 

City licensing staff work with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department for licensing of Hotels & Motels.  Upon receipt of an application, the health department will review the application and verify information, as needed, to determine the applicable license type(s) and fees.

• Review city ordinances 3.20 Room Tax and 8.18 Hotel & Motel Guest Registration.  Link to full ordinances above.
  • Room Tax Form must be submitted monthly
• Click here for more information on Hotel & motel licensing from the health department.
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit number, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Upon successful completion of inspections your license will be issued. Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspection (building, electrical, HVAC & plumbing)

Tourist Rooming House license / Short-term Rental permit

Licensing staff also work with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department and City of Eau Claire Planning department to license Tourist Rooming Houses.  Applicants will need to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license through the Health Department & City licensing staff, then apply for a Short-term Rental permit through the City Planning department.

• Review city ordinance 5.66 Short-term Rental Permits.  Link to full ordinances above.
• If you intend to book the property only using online marketplace providers (ie AirBnb, VRBO, etc.) you are not required to provide a Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit number.
• Upon successful completion of an inspection by the Health Department your Tourist Rooming House license will be issued.
  • After receiving your Tourist Rooming House license, you will need to apply for a Short-term rental permit from the City Planning department.  Click here for information regarding the permit and contact information.

For questions regarding Hotel & Tourist Rooming House licensing, please contact the City-County Health Department at 715-839-4718.

City ordinance requires individuals and businesses who are conducting massage therapy to obtain a Massage Facility license.

• Review city ordinance chapter 5.56 Massage Therapy Facilities.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Each individual performing massage therapy must be licensed by the State of Wisconsin
• Certificate of Liability Insurance covering the operation of the therapist and facility is required and must meet the following minimum amounts:
  • $1,000,000 for any one person injured or killed
  • $1,000,000 for the injury or destruction of any property
• Auxiliary Questionnaire is required for all owners of the business.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.
• Upon successful completion of background check and passing inspections, your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspection (building only)

Mobile Home Park operators are required to obtain a City license and City-County Health Department license to operate the Mobile Home Park.  Please review the information below and contact City of Eau Claire licensing staff if you would like an application.

If you are an existing Mobile Home Park or will be acquiring an existing Mobile Home Park located within the City of Eau Claire an application can be obtained from city licensing staff.

• Review city ordinance 16.12 Mobile Home Code. Link to full ordinances above.
• Surety Bond required based on park size:
  • $2,000 for parks under 100 units
  • $3,000 for parks 100 units or more
• Upon successful completion of inspections the license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fireinspections

If you are applying for a new Mobile Home Park license, or looking to add units to an existing Mobile Home Park license, contact the City of Eau Claire Planning department to initiate the process at 715-839-4914 or planning@eauclairewi.gov.

• Review city ordinance chapter 5.04 and Wisconsin State Statute 134.71, both related to Pawnbrokers & Secondhand Dealers.  Link to full ordinances above.
• License type(s) require Eau Claire City Council approval.
• Copy of drivers license for each individual listed on an application is required.
• Auxiliary questionnaire is required for all owners of the business.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.
• Upon successful completion of background check the license application request will be included on the next eligible City Council meeting.  Upon granting by City Council your license will be issued.

Amusement Devices

• License fee is charge per Amusement Device. 
• Review city ordinance 5.02 Amusement Devices.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit number, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Electrical inspection by City of Eau Claire Inspections Department is required.
• Upon successful completion of electrical inspection your license will be issued.

Pool Halls, Billiard Halls and Bowling Alleys

• License fee for Pool Table's are charged per table.
• Review city ordinance 5.42 Pool Halls, Billiard Halls and Bowling Alleys.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Auxiliary Questionnaire is required for all owners of the business.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.
• Upon successful completion of background check and passing inspections, your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspections (building, electrical, HVAC & plumbing)

• License period is January 1 - December 31.
• Review City Ordinance 8.32 Management of Waste and Recyclables
• License type(s) require Eau Claire City Council approval.
• Vehicle Roster is required.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance with auto and general liability limits of not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence is required.
• Auxiliary Questionnaire is required for all owners of the business.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.
• Upon successful completion of background check, City Council granting the license and all vehicles on vehicle roster passing inspection, your licenses will be issued.

Construction Demolition Debris Company

• Licensees may not engage in fixed-route collection, but can engage in destination-oriented hauling related to their license.
• If you are hauling recyclables per ordinance 8.32.010(P), a recyclable hauler license is needed.

Refuse Company

• Businesses licensed as a refuse hauler shall obtain a recyclable hauler license.
• To be eligible for this license, the business must operate on a fixed, weekly route for collection.
• City Ordinance 8.32.040(1)(a) limits the total number of Refuse Company business licenses to 7.  If you would like to verify a license is available for application, contact City of Eau Claire Licensing at licensing@eauclairewi.gov or 715-839-4923.
• Refuse Company license is transferrable from business to business.

Recycling Company

• Licensees shall not engage in fixed-route weekly collections or residential collections, unless they are also licensed as a refuse hauler.

Trucks / Vehicles

• Trucks used for collection and hauling are required to be licensed.  Truck license types:
  • Refuse only
  • Recycling only, Roll-off truck, or trailer
  • Combination Refuse & Recycling
• Vehicle Roster must be submitted with application, indicating vehicle information, truck type and whether truck is in use.
• Each truck used for collection requires successful inspection by Neighborhood Services Department, both at initial application and for annual renewal.

• Review city ordinances 5.67 Signs & 17.09.02 Sign Permits, and Wisconsin State Statute 101.862 License or registration required relating to qualified electrical installers for signs.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance is required with the following coverage amounts:
  • $500,000 per occurrence for comprehensive general liability for personal (bodily) insurance and property damage combined (including contractual liability, product and completed operations
  • $500,000 per occurrence for auto liability for personal (bodily) injury and property damage
• Upon submission of a complete application and approval from City of Eau Claire Building Inspections department, your license will be issued.

• Review City Ordinance chapter 5.54 Vehicle for Hire and Taxi Drivers.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Valid Wisconsin Drivers License is required.
• Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.  Upon completion of successful background check your license will be issued.

Vehicle for Hire

• Review  City Ordinance chapter 5.54 Vehicle for Hire and Taxi Drivers.  Link to full ordinances above.
• License fee is charged per vehicle.
• Vehicle Roster must be submitted with application
• Certificate of Liability Insurance must include the following:
  • $250,000 for any one person injured or killed
  • $500,000 for more than one person injured or killed
  • $100,000 for injury or destruction of property
  • List vehicle and corresponding Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each vehicle on your submitted Vehicle Roster.
• Each driver for the business, including owners, must also obtain a Taxi Cab Driver license for the City of Eau Claire
• Auxiliary questionnaire is required for all owners of the business.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.  Upon completion of successful background check your license will be issued.

City ordinance requires businesses who perform tree trimming, tree removal and stump removal to obtain a Tree Trimmer license.

• Review city ordinance chapter 5.52 Tree Trimming and 8.20 Trees.  Link to full ordinances above.
• A verbal or written exam with the City of Eau Claire Forestry Department is a required component to obtain this license.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance is required with the following coverage amounts:
  • $250,000 for any one person injured or killed
  • $500,000 for more than one person injured or killed
  • $100,000 for injury or destruction of any property of any person other than the licensee
• Auxiliary questionnaire is required for all owners of the business.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.
• Upon successful completion of background check and exam with City Forester your license will be issued.

Dockless Bicycle Share

• License period is March 1 - November 30.
• Review city ordinance chapter 5.64 Dockless Bicycle Share.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Completed Indemnification and Hold Harmless agreement is required.
• Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance is required in the amount of at least $2,000,000 and shall name the City of Eau Claire as an additional insured.
• License applicant shall rent at least one designated dockless shared bicycle parking location in each section (North & South) of the city.  Click here to view a map of the locations.
• Upon submission of application and approval from City Engineering staff, your license will be issued.

Firework Vendor

• License period is January 1 - December 31.
• Review city ordinance chapter 9.32 Fireworks and Firearms and Wisconsin State Statute 167.10 Regulation of Fireworks.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Fireworks being sold from a tent require a tent inspection.  Click here for more information on Eau Claire Fire Department tent permits.
• All premises require an inspection by the City of Eau Claire Fire Inspection Department prior to selling fireworks.  Upon completion of successful inspection your license will be issued.

House Mover

• Review city ordinance 5.20 House Movers.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Proof of bond with one ore more sureties in the amount of $5,000 is required.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance is required with the following coverage amounts:
  • $250,000 for any one person injured or killed
  • $500,000 for more than one person injured or killed
  • $500,000 for injury or destruction of property other than the licensee
• Completed Indemnification and Hold Harmless agreement is required.
• Auxiliary questionnaire is required for all individuals listed on the application.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.  Upon completion of successful background check your license will be issued.

Junk Dealer

• Review city ordinance 5.24 Junk Dealer.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Renewal application is required to be completed annually by April 1.
• Auxiliary questionnaire is required for all individuals listed on the application.  Please allow 7-10 business days for background check.  Upon completion of successful background check your license will be issued.

Roller Skating Rinks

• Review city ordinance 5.48 Roller Skating Rinks.  Link to full ordinances above.
• License fee is refundable.
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit number, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Upon successful completion of inspections your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspections (building, electrical, HVAC & plumbing)

Scooter Share

• Review city ordinance chapter 5.65 Scooter Share.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Completed Indemnification and Hold Harmless agreement is required.
• Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance is required in the amount of at least $2,000,000 and shall name the City of Eau Claire as an additional insured.
• License applicant shall rent at least one designated scooter share parking location in each section (North & South) of the city.  Click here to view a map of the locations.
• Upon submission of application and approval from City Engineering staff, your license will be issued.

Swimming Pools

City licensing staff work with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department for licensing of swimming pools & whirlpools.  Upon receipt of an application, the health department will review the application and verify information, as needed, to determine the applicable license type(s) and fees.  Upon passing inspection from the health department the license(s) will be issued.

Theater and Movie Houses

• Review city ordinance 5.46 Theaters and Movie Houses.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Wisconsin Sales & Use Tax Permit is required.  If you do not yet have a Sales & Use Tax Permit number, you will need to apply for one with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Upon successful completion of inspections your license will be issued.  Required inspections include:
  • Health department
  • Fire inspections
  • Building inspections (building, electrical, HVAC & plumbing)

Well Operation Permit

City licensing staff work with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department to issue well permits.  Owners of wells on premises served by the municipal water system wishing to retain their wells for any use, shall make application to the city clerk for a well operation permit for each well no later than 90 days after connection to the municipal water system.

• Permits are valid for a maximum of five (5) years, expiring on September 30th no later than five years from th date of issuance.
• Review city ordinance 14.04.100 Well abandonment and well operation permit.  Link to full ordinances above.
• Owners authorization form is required if you do not own the property.
• Upon approval from the health department your license will be issued.

Feel free to contact our department at licensing@eauclairewi.gov or 715-839-4923 if you have any questions not addressed above.