Portage County, WI Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Sec. 2.27.1 defines an 'event or gathering' broadly as any group of three or more persons assembled for a social occasion or other activity, and 'control' as the power to direct, manage, host, allow, permit, or sponsor a gathering, whether or not the person is physically present. 'Premises' and 'public or private location' sweep in homes, yards, farms, fields, hotel or motel rooms, halls, meeting rooms, and parks, whether owned, leased, rented, or used with or without permission. Sec. 2.27.2 makes it unlawful, notwithstanding Wis.

Stats. ch. 125 or any other county ordinance, for a person to host or allow a gathering at a location under that person's control, where alcohol is present, and knowingly permit or fail to take reasonable steps to prevent an underage person from possessing or consuming it. A host does not need to be present at the gathering to be responsible, and anyone who intentionally aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires with another to commit the violation is equally responsible. Sec. 2.27.3 carves out three exceptions: conduct solely between an underage person and a parent, guardian, or of-age spouse who is present and in control; underage possession that is lawful in the course of employment; and legally protected, bona fide religious observances.