Food Dealer’s License.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 81-55
in effect81-55. Food Dealer’s License.
1. Each individual food operation, site, location or stand where food is prepared, processed, served, stored or sold shall be issued a food dealer's license and be assessed fees in accordance with this section.
2. A fee of $385 shall be charged at the time of new application. This fee shall be non-refundable if an inspection is performed prior to withdrawal or denial of the application.
3. The annual food dealer's license fee shall be as follows:
a. Prepack restaurants: For each license renewal year: $250.
b. All other restaurants:
Anticipated Gross Annual Sales for All Food Operations Less than $20,000 $ 605 $20,001 - $200,000 920 $200,001 - $2,000,000 1,440 Over $2,000,000 1,985
c. Food Stores - Processing:
Anticipated Gross Annual Sales for All Food Operations Less than $20,000 $ 400 $20,001 - $200,000 660 $200,001 - $2,000,000 1,525 Over $2,000,000 2,350
d. Food Stores - No Processing:
Anticipated Gross Annual Sales for All Food Operations Less than $20,000 $230 $20,001 - $200,000 345 $200,001 - $2,000,000 660 Over $2,000,000 1,005
e. Mobile peddler food base: $175 new; $145 renewal.
f. Micro markets:
f-1. For one micro market located in a building: $40.
f-2. For 2 or more micro markets located in the same building: $60.
4. If multiple independent restaurant locations are operated at the same address and by the same person, a separate fee shall be charged for each additional location. An additional restaurant location shall be considered independent if it is physically separated from any other food preparation areas. The annual fee for each additional location shall be $100.
5. Each license shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
6. A renewal shall be filed by the deadline established by the city clerk as provided in s. 85-26. There shall be an additional fee for the filing of a late renewal application in the amount of $100.
7. The fee for a duplicate license shall be $11.
8. A portion of the fee will shall be used to pay the state of Wisconsin administrative fees, the amount of which is on file with the Wisconsin department of health and family services or department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.
9.a. The fee for a licensed food establishment that extends its operation to the outside on a permanent basis shall be $75.
b. Locations filing for alcohol beverage extensions under s. 81-90 at the same time shall be charged a total fee of $100.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH81.pdf#page=11Fetched: 10/26/2026