WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau Parks and Recreation Committee says they are open to allowing pop-up beer gardens in city parks.
City and County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Jamie Polley says the events have been well-received and, in some cases, very profitable in other areas like De Pere and Milwaukee. “Milwaukee County has five different food trucks in a part for ten days. Then they take two days to move and set up at another park for ten days. They are constantly rotating, and they bring in a couple million dollars in revenue.”
Polley adds that the state law does allow the city to hold events without a liquor license, though only beer or malt beverages can be served. There is movement to amend the law to allow wine sales as well.
The committee was open to the idea. Alder Lisa Rasmussen said the key to success could be in the “pop-up” nature of the events. “Try it in a couple of different locations and figure out which ones work the best. The fact that it’s not a daily availability or something people have to seek out often increases the appeal.
“I think we should try it and see where we end up,” added Rasmussen.
Alder Tom Neal said he wants to see the idea start small. “I don’t want to get into an event mindset and make it bigger than it has to be. Just have it as a nice, little thing that can grow in popularity over time. Something small and cool that could gather steam.”
Polley said her peers in Milwaukee also suggest starting small with events no more than once a week. “They keep it family-friendly, and it becomes a neighborhood gathering place. Kids are allowed, dogs are allowed, and there is usually some sort of food.”
Polley said she would come back to the committee with a more refined proposal at a future meeting. The city would also need to pass an ordinance or resolution allowing the events, wich Rasmussen said should start in the Public Health and Safety Committee before going to the full Council.
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