What is the Wisconsin Act 73?

Asked by: Lilly Goyette  |  Last update: January 30, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (19 votes)

Wisconsin Act 73 (2023) is a comprehensive law that significantly overhauls alcohol beverage regulation in Wisconsin, legalizing various production agreements, allowing producers broader retail sales, creating a new Division of Alcohol Beverages (DAB), and changing rules for event venues, tobacco/vaping retailers, and cybersecurity for insurers. Key changes include allowing breweries, wineries, and distilleries to contract manufacture for each other, permitting producers to run on-site and off-site retail outlets, and requiring new licensing for vape shops and event venues.

What is Wisconsin Act 73?

Effective May 1 of this year, 2023 Wisconsin Act 73 modified Wisconsin's laws to legalize production agreements, including contract production, for all types of alcohol beverages.

What is the Wisconsin Act 73 for vaping?

Wisconsin law (2023 Wis. Act 73) made significant changes to municipal licensing and regulation of cigarette, tobacco, and vapor products, effective March 6, 2024, including: Requiring retailers that sell electronic vaping devices to obtain a retail license from their municipality.

Does Wisconsin have a zero tolerance law?

The state of Wisconsin has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. The Absolute Sobriety Law, also known as the “Not A Drop” law, states that any underage persons operating a vehicle between 0.00 and 0.08% alcohol concentration (the normal limit for adults to drive) will be arrested.

What is Wisconsin Act 77?

Under Wisconsin Act 77, which relates to the creation of the Juvenile Justice Code, one key provision is the creation of a separate Juvenile Justice Code that deals with juvenile delinquency by protecting citizens, holding juveniles accountable, and developing competency in juveniles so that they may live productively ...

Wisconsin Act 73 alcohol regulations and rules effect on wedding barns, venues

19 related questions found

What is Act 79 in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law (2013 Act 79) provides law enforcement officers with broad authority to search people who are on probation, parole or extended supervision. MPD officers are only authorized to conduct searches as authorized in the MPD Search Procedure and this standard operating procedure.

At what age are you no longer a juvenile?

A juvenile age range generally refers to individuals under 18, but definitions vary by jurisdiction, with most U.S. states handling crimes committed by those under 18 in juvenile courts, though some states extend this to 19, 21, or even 24 for certain cases, while the lower age limit can start as low as 7 in some places. Federal law defines a juvenile as under 18, but state laws dictate the specifics, often defining juveniles as those under 18 or 19 at the time of the offense. 

Is it illegal to eat while driving in Wisconsin?

There's no law that says you can't eat while driving in this state. However, there is a law against distracted driving.

Why is Wisconsin so lenient on DUI?

Wisconsin, more than other states, has a culture of alcohol, and a legal system that attacks the symptoms, rather than the problem. The system protects the alcohol industry, while punishing the drinker.

Which state has the strictest alcohol laws?

While several states have strict alcohol laws, Utah is consistently cited as having the most restrictive, with low ABV limits (5%) for grocery store beer, state-run liquor stores, "Zion curtain" rules (requiring food with drinks/separation), and strict DUI limits (0.05%). Other states like Kansas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Mississippi also have complex, tight regulations, often stemming from historical prohibition laws or unique control systems. 

Why is vape banned in Wisconsin?

Gaining popularity since the 2010s, vaping created a health epidemic among users, which justified the banning of vape sales in Wisconsin. The dangerous composition of vapes poses many health risks for those who become addicted.

Can you smoke in public in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's smoke-free air law prohibits the smoking of cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or other lighted smoking devices indoors in public spaces. Wisconsin's law does not currently include e-cigarettes, or vapes. Some counties and municipalities have already added vaping to their local smoke-free air policies.

Can 16 year olds drink with parents in Australia Act?

This is why it is important that parents do not provide alcohol to children and young people. It is against the law to provide alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless you are the parent or guardian, or you have the permission of the parent or guardian.

What are the BYOB laws in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Statute 125.32 6a "prohibits patrons from bringing their own alcoholic beverages into a restaurant for consumption." Plus, to dispense alcohol in Wisconsin, the restaurant owner must obtain a liquor license and all alcohol served in the restaurant must be purchased from a distributor.

Can you opt out of the ACT in Wisconsin?

A parent should submit a written request for student opt-out to the principal or the school board. Per Wis. Stats. 118.30(2)(b)3., if the student is in grades 4, 8, and 9-11 the request must be granted.

Can you refuse to show ID in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, you generally must show ID during a traffic stop (license, registration) but can refuse to identify yourself in other situations if not detained or suspected of a crime, though refusing might prolong the encounter. If legally detained (reasonable suspicion of a crime), you must provide your name but not necessarily answer further questions, while refusing to provide documents during a traffic stop can lead to charges, but simply remaining silent (without giving false info) isn't usually obstruction. 

What state is number 1 for DUI?

The states with the most DUI arrests in America are California, Texas, and Florida by volume, while Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota rank highest per capita in 2025.

Does a DUI stay on your record forever in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) generally stays on your criminal record for life. Wisconsin has a lifetime look-back policy for OWIs, meaning prior convictions never drop off your record.

Is 2 beers over the legal limit?

Yes, two beers can put you over the legal driving limit (typically 0.08% BAC), especially for lighter individuals, women, or if consumed quickly, though it depends heavily on body weight, metabolism, food intake, and the beer's strength, with a 120-pound woman potentially exceeding it on one drink, while a heavier person might stay under. It's safest to avoid driving after any alcohol, as even one drink can impair judgment and risk arrest.
 

Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Wisconsin?

There's no law against sleeping in your vehicle in Wisconsin. Still, be aware of common-sense restrictions, like avoiding sidewalks and railroad crossings. There may be local ordinances and restrictions, so check with the city or town you're in.

Where am I legally allowed to sleep in my car?

Rest Areas: Many states allow overnight parking in rest areas along highways. However, some limit the time you can stay. Always check posted signs for restrictions. Truck Stops: Truck stops are generally safe places to sleep in your car, and many are open 24 hours.

What is age 20 to 40 called?

The 20-40 age group isn't one single name but spans Millennials (roughly 28-45 in 2024/25) and the older part of Gen Z, often called Young Adults or split into "20-somethings" and "30-somethings," with terms like Vicenarian (20s) and Tricenarian (30s) for specific decades, though "young adult" is a common descriptor.
 

What can 13 year olds do legally?

At 13

  • You can have a part-time job, with some restrictions.
  • You can have an account on a social networking site like Facebook or Twitter.