La Crosse, Wisconsin: Beer Buying Hours

La Crosse, Wisconsin has a long history of beer production, dating back to when it was just a settlement over 160 years ago. Today, it is home to several breweries, including the historic Pearl Street Brewery, which has been in operation since 1999. The state's alcohol laws can be complex, with both statewide statutes and local ordinances governing the sale of alcohol. While the drinking age in Wisconsin is 21, the state does permit the consumption of alcohol by minors if they are supervised by a parent, guardian, or spouse. In terms of purchasing beer, state law prohibits retail sales between midnight and 6:00 a.m., but some counties and municipalities only allow sales until 9:00 p.m. Notably, La Crosse is one of the exceptions to the uniform 9:00 p.m. restriction on alcohol sales across most municipalities in Wisconsin.

Beer sales in La Crosse, Wisconsin, are allowed until midnight

La Crosse is known for its beer, with a strong brewing tradition dating back over 160 years to when the city was just a settlement. Today, La Crosse is home to several breweries, including Pearl Street Brewery, which has been operating since 1999, and Turtle Stack Brewery, a small independent craft brewery located in the city's historic downtown area.

Wisconsin's alcohol laws are governed by both statewide statutes and local ordinances. While the state sets the minimum restrictions on alcohol sales, individual municipalities are permitted to implement further restrictions or even ban the sale of alcohol altogether. For example, until recently, the city of Sparta and the village of Ephraim in Wisconsin prohibited the retail sale of alcohol. However, in separate referendums, voters in both Sparta and Ephraim chose to lift these restrictions, allowing the sale of beer and wine.

In addition to regulations on alcohol sales, Wisconsin also has laws governing alcohol consumption. The state permits the consumption of alcohol by minors, as long as they are supervised by a parent, guardian, or spouse. However, it is important to note that the legal drinking age in Wisconsin is 21, and there are penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

State law allows municipalities to further restrict retail sales of alcohol

The state of Wisconsin has a long history of alcohol regulation, dating back to 1849 when a law was passed that made liquor sellers liable for the costs incurred by local governments in supporting alcoholics. Over the years, various laws have been enacted and amended to control the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state.

According to current state law, the retail sale of liquor and wine is prohibited between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, and beer sales are prohibited between midnight and 6:00 am. However, the law also allows local municipalities to implement additional restrictions on retail alcohol sales or even ban the issuance of retail liquor licenses altogether. This means that towns and cities within Wisconsin can choose to further limit the hours during which alcohol can be sold or prohibit the sale of alcohol entirely within their jurisdiction.

For example, the city of Sparta and the village of Ephraim in Wisconsin previously prohibited the retail sale of alcohol until recently. In 2014, voters in Sparta approved a referendum to allow the sale of beer and wine in groceries and convenience stores, while still maintaining the ban on liquor sales. Similarly, in 2016, voters in Ephraim passed a referendum to permit the sale of beer and wine in restaurants and businesses.

La Crosse, Wisconsin is one of the exceptions to the uniform 9 pm restriction on alcohol sales. This means that the sale of beer, wine, and liquor in La Crosse may be permitted beyond 9 pm, depending on local ordinances. However, it is important to note that state law requires bars to be closed between 2:00 am and 6:00 am from Monday to Friday and between 2:30 am and 6:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays, with exceptions on New Year's Eve and for changes in Daylight Saving Time.

Alcohol sales to minors are permitted under supervision

In La Crosse, Wisconsin, you can buy beer from retailers between 6:00 a.m. and midnight. This is the same for the rest of the state, although local municipalities can further restrict these hours. For example, some local ordinances prohibit beer sales after 9:00 p.m.

Wisconsin's alcohol laws consist of both statewide statutes and local ordinances governing the sale of alcohol. The drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. However, those under the legal drinking age may be served, possess, or consume alcohol if they are with a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age.

In the context of Wisconsin's alcohol laws, "alcohol sales to minors are permitted under supervision." This means that individuals under the age of 21 can possess and consume alcohol under the supervision of a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is 21 or older. It is important to note that the minor must be in the presence and supervision of the supervising adult when consuming alcohol. This provision allows minors to legally drink alcohol in controlled settings with the consent and presence of a responsible adult.

Additionally, individuals aged 18 to 20 may possess (but not consume) alcohol as part of their employment. For example, servers and bartenders in establishments serving alcohol must be at least 18 years old and may serve alcohol under the supervision of a licensee, permittee, agent, or manager who is on the premises. This exception enables young adults to work in the hospitality industry, which includes establishments that serve alcohol, without engaging in unlawful conduct.

It is worth noting that the purchase of alcohol by minors is generally prohibited in Wisconsin. However, there is an exception for law enforcement purposes, where youth may purchase alcohol for investigative or sting operations. Furthermore, it is a criminal offense for minors to use false identification to obtain alcohol, and retailers are permitted to seize false IDs.

Bars must be closed between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday to Friday

In La Crosse, Wisconsin, bars must be closed between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday. This means that you cannot buy beer during these hours. However, on the weekends, bars are allowed to remain open until 2:30 a.m.

Wisconsin's alcohol laws are governed by both statewide statutes and local ordinances. While the state law sets the closing hours for bars, it is worth noting that local municipalities can further restrict retail sales of alcohol or even ban the issuance of retail liquor licenses altogether.

The state law permits the sale of liquor, wine, and beer in supermarkets, liquor stores, and gas stations. Beer can be sold from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, while liquor and wine can be sold from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Some counties and municipalities only allow beer sales until 9:00 p.m.

In Wisconsin, it is legal for minors to consume alcohol under the supervision of their parents, guardians, or spouses. However, only those aged 18 and above are permitted to serve alcohol.

Alcohol sales in bars are allowed until 2:30 a.m. on weekends

In La Crosse, Wisconsin, alcohol sales in bars are allowed until 2:30 a.m. on weekends (Friday and Saturday) and until 2:00 a.m. from Monday to Thursday. There is no closing time on New Year's Day. These timings are mandated by state law, and municipalities cannot impose further restrictions on when bars must close. However, they may prohibit the issuance of liquor licenses, effectively making the municipality dry.

Wisconsin's alcohol laws consist of both statewide statutes and local ordinances governing alcohol sales. While the state law sets the closing time for bars, it also allows municipalities to further restrict retail sales of alcohol or ban the issuance of retail liquor licenses altogether. Notably, La Crosse is one of the exceptions to the uniform 9 p.m. restriction on all alcohol sales in most municipalities.

The state's alcohol laws have a long history, dating back to when Wisconsin became a state and settlers from the eastern US took issue with alcohol consumption by German immigrants on Sundays. Over the years, various laws have been passed and amended, reflecting the changing social and cultural attitudes towards alcohol in the state.

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