Bartender/Operator License
Operator ("Bartender") Licenses may be obtained through the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall. The license fee of $20.00 is due at the time the application is submitted and is non-refundable. Applicants can submit their applications and required attachments in person or by mail to Town Hall, in the RED drop box outside of Town Hall, or via email.
To apply for an Operator License you will need:
- Operator's License Application (must be fully completed, legible and signed)
- Proof of Completed Responsible Beverage Server Course (unless exempt, see below)
- Valid ID (Applicants must be 18+ years old)
- $20.00 Non-Refundable Fee (payable with check or cash at Town Hall or with a card online at www.townofshelbywi.gov *service fees apply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to take a Responsible Beverage Server Course? Yes, unless you have:
- Taken the training within the last 2 years (New to Shelby servers still need to provide the certificate)
- Been issued a Bartender/Operator License from another Wisconsin Town/City/Village within the last 2 years (New to Shelby servers need to provide proof of license)
- Been an agent on a retail license from another Wisconsin Town/City/Village within the last 2 years (New to Shelby servers need to provide proof of license)
Where do I find a Responsible Beverage Server Course? Visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue site.
When is a Bartender/Operator License required? Anyone (18+) selling or dispensing alcohol must obtain a bartender/operator's license unless they are under the immediate supervision of a person who has a license or the agent of the licensed establishment.
Where can you serve after obtaining a Bartender/Operator License? Only at licensed establishments in the Town of Shelby. This license will not transfer to another Town/City/Village.
How likely is the application to be denied? If the applicant has been convicted of a felony which substantially relates to the alcoholic beverage licensing activity, or is a "habitual law offender", the application may be denied.
If there are any delinquent fines, fees, charges or taxes that are due to the Town of Shelby from the person or establishment, no licenses may be issued to those persons, operators, agents or establishment(s).
Can I work as soon as my application is submitted? Only under the immediate supervision of another licensed operator or agent of the licensed establishment.
How do I get my license once approved? Once approved the Clerk can either mail the license to the address provided on the application, mail the license to the establishment or have the license available for pickup at Town Hall.
How long is my license good for? Licenses are valid from the date they are issued until June 30th. Expiration dates are noted on the bottom right of each license issued.
Do I have to the pay the full license fee for a seasonal job? Yes. License fees are not prorated for seasonal/short-term employment or for licenses obtained half-way through the licensing period.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? Contact the Town Clerk at 608-788-1032 x2 or via email.