Alexander M. DeGuire

A recent decision from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals underscores an important compliance risk for hospitality businesses and other liquor license holders across the state: amending your license is not a mere formality, even when you have a long and unblemished operating history. In State ex rel. Conch Co. Inc. v. Village of Egg Harbor, No. 2024AP641 (Wis. Ct. App. June 9, 2026), the court upheld a village board’s denial of a liquor license transfer request that sought to expand the footprint of an existing licensed premises. The decision confirms that local licensing authorities retain meaningful discretion when evaluating such applications, including where the applicant has operated without incident for decades.

If your organization relies on post-employment restrictions contained in compensation plans, equity awards, or deal documents the Wisconsin Court of Appeals’ decision in Steffes v. Fond du Lac Regional Clinic deserves your attention.

Alexander DeGuire has co‑authored a forthcoming scholarly article titled Toward a Framework for a Law of Electronic Intangibles Liability, which will be published in the Marquette Law Review in 2026.