Gov. Tony Evers signs sweeping overhaul of Wisconsin alcohol industry

Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday signed into law a massive overhaul of Wisconsin's alcohol industry, following years of negotiation and nearly a decade of infighting over what industry professionals said were confusing and unclear state laws governing beer, wine and spirits sales.

The measure passed the Senate in a bipartisan 21-11 vote last month, and the Assembly signed off on the Senate's vote with a bipartisan 88-10 vote.

"Across the country, Wisconsin is best known not only for our world-champion dairy but also our world-class breweries, wineries and distilleries that employ thousands of workers statewide and play a significant role in our statewide economy," Evers said in a statement. "Ensuring that our state’s regulations and policies are modernized and updated to meet this ever-evolving industry remains a priority for the safety of consumers, producers and Wisconsin as a whole."

Supporters have praised the plan as a rare and historic compromise. It has received broad support from Kwik Trip, New Glarus Brewing Co. and other business groups in the alcohol industry, along with organizations representing law enforcement, hotels and restaurants.

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