Mosinee, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitted zone
- M-1 limited industrial district only
- Buffer distance
- 500 feet from schools, churches, day cares, liquor sellers
- Closed hours
- 2 a.m.-8 a.m. weekdays, later weekends
- License term
- Expires June 30 each year
- Max forfeiture
- $1,000 per violation, per day
Summary
The City of Mosinee only allows adult-oriented establishments and adult cabarets in the M-1 limited industrial district and keeps them at least 500 feet from another such business, any residential district, a school, a church, a day care center, or any bar or liquor store. Both the establishment and its employees need a license issued by the common council before operating.
(a)An adult-oriented establishment and adult cabaret may be located in the M-1 district as defined in article II of chapter 42 of this Code.(b)No adult-oriented establishment or adult cabaret shall be located:(1)Within a residential district as defined in article II of chapter 42 of this Code.(2)Within 500 feet of an existing adult-oriented establishment.(3)Within 500 feet of any residential area.(4)Within 500 feet of any preexisting school, church or day care center.(5)Within 500 feet of any preexisting establishment licensed to sell or dispense fermented malt beverages or intoxicating liquor.(c)For purposes of this section, distances are to be measured in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the property line of the adult-oriented establishment, to the nearest property line of another adult-oriented establishment, school, place of worship or residential district or establishment selling or dispensing fermented malt beverages or intoxicating liquor.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-126 of the Mosinee Code of Ordinances confines adult-oriented establishments and adult cabarets to the city's M-1 limited industrial district defined in chapter 42, article II. The section bars such a business from locating within a residential district, within 500 feet of an existing adult-oriented establishment, within 500 feet of any residential area, within 500 feet of a preexisting school, church, or day care center, or within 500 feet of a business already licensed to sell fermented malt beverages or intoxicating liquor. Distances run in a straight line from property line to property line, ignoring any building or fence in between.
Beyond the location rule, the operator needs a license from the common council under Sec. 14-76, and every entertainer or employee needs a separate permit under Sec. 14-101 before working on the premises. Applicants must be at least 18, cannot have violated the article within the past five years, and cannot have a conviction for moral turpitude, prostitution, or obscenity within five years unless pardoned. Sec. m. and noon on Sunday, and keeps them open to inspection by the police department, building inspector, and county health department at all reasonable times.
The common council can suspend or revoke a license or permit for false application information, an employee's violation the operator knew about, or serving alcohol on the premises.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 14-32 sets the penalty at a forfeiture of up to $1,000 plus prosecution costs for any violation, with jail time possible in default of payment up to the limit set by Wis. Stats. § 800.095(4). Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Beyond the monetary forfeiture, the common council can suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the business license or an employee's permit for the same violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an adult-oriented business open anywhere in Mosinee?
How far must an adult business stay from a school or church?
What hours must these businesses stay closed?
What happens if an operator violates the location or licensing rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mosinee
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Marathon County handle adult entertainment.