Opening a restaurant in Wisconsin requires several licenses and permits. These include a Restaurant License, a Seller’s Permit, a Sales Tax Account Number, a Wisconsin Employer ID Number (WEIN), a Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN), an Unemployment Compensation Account, Worker’s Compensation Insurance, a Food Manager Certification, and an Alcohol Beverage License if you plan to sell alcoholic beverages. Each of these licenses and permits serves a specific purpose and has its own application process and associated costs.
1. Restaurant License
- Purpose: This license is required to prepare, serve, or sell meals to the public.
- Estimated Cost: The annual license fee varies depending on the type of your facility and ranges from $105 to $540. There is also a one-time pre-inspection fee that ranges from $130 to $770.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or its Agent Health Departments. You need to file an application at least 30 days prior to scheduling an inspection.
2. Seller’s Permit, Sales Tax Account Number, and Wisconsin Employer ID Number (WEIN)
- Purpose: These are required for tax purposes.
- How to Register: These can be obtained from the state’s Department of Revenue by completing the Application for Business Tax Registration (BTR-101).
3. Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN)
- Purpose: This is required for tax purposes at the federal level.
- How to Register: This can be obtained from the IRS.
4. Unemployment Compensation Account
- Purpose: This is required to provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed.
- How to Register: Set up an account with the UC division of the Department of Workforce Development.
5. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
- Purpose: This insurance is required to cover medical costs and a portion of lost wages for employees who become injured or ill on the job.
- How to Register: This must be purchased from an insurance carrier.
6. Food Manager Certification
- Purpose: Most licensed food establishments in Wisconsin must have at least one manager or operator certified in food protection practices. This individual must complete and pass the exam within 3 months of opening their restaurant.
- How to Register: You can see a listing of food manager certification exams accepted in Wisconsin by visiting the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) website.
7. Alcohol Beverage License
- Purpose: This is required if you plan to sell alcoholic beverages.
- How to Register: You must obtain this license from your municipality and a Federal Special Occupation Tax Stamp from the Federal Department of Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
For more detailed information, visit the following websites:
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Department of Workforce Development
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Department of Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
- City of Milwaukee Health Department
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