Bills Would Allow Wisconsin Wineries To Expand Service

Wisconsin wineries would be allowed to serve hard liquor and stay open until midnight under bills introduced in the state Legislature.

State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, has introduced the two bills that would loosen rules regulating wineries. Harsdorf said the bills will help wineries in her district expand operations beyond winemaking.

“We’ve got a number of wineries that are investing, literally, millions of dollars into creating facilities that are great places to host events and weddings and this will help further the growth of that industry,” she said.

Harsdorf said local governments would be able to set earlier closing times for wineries under the bills. The bills are currently circulating for co-sponsors.