{
  "batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_state_statute_index_search_no_adult_entertainment",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes: Access.signup",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin's official statute index contains no entries for 'adult entertainment establishment', 'sexually oriented business', or 'adult business' definitions",
      "body": "Wisconsin's official statute index contains no entries for 'adult entertainment establishment', 'sexually oriented business', or 'adult business' definitions\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“NO MATCH in Wisconsin's code index for \"adult entertainment establishment sexually oriented business definition licensing\" (3 chapters/sections indexed from 1 pages). Either the words differ from the code's own wording -- try a synonym, e.g. \"persona\" for \"right of publicity\", \"obscenity\" for \"indecent\" -- or this state genuinely has no such provision, which is a could_not_verify with the index as the evidence of the search.”\n\nNote: Searched Wisconsin's official code index at docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/search for 'adult entertainment establishment', 'sexually oriented business', and 'adult business'. No matches found. The index suggests the terms may differ from the code's own wording, or Wisconsin genuinely has no such provision. This is an index-level search, not a full-text scan of every statute.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/search",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "NO MATCH in Wisconsin's code index for \"adult entertainment establishment sexually oriented business definition licensing\" (3 chapters/sections indexed from 1 pages). Either the words differ from the code's own wording -- try a synonym, e.g. \"persona\" for \"right of publicity\", \"obscenity\" for \"indecent\" -- or this state genuinely has no such provision, which is a could_not_verify with the index as the evidence of the search.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes",
      "topic": "Access.signup",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level code index only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "quote_is_nonanswer",
          "strong_label_on_weak_content"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_state_statute_index_search_zoning",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes: Safety.legal",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin's official statute index contains no entries for 'zoning', 'adult entertainment', 'sexually explicit', or 'obscenity'",
      "body": "Wisconsin's official statute index contains no entries for 'zoning', 'adult entertainment', 'sexually explicit', or 'obscenity'\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“NO MATCH in Wisconsin's code index for \"zoning\" (3 chapters/sections indexed from 1 pages). Either the words differ from the code's own wording -- try a synonym, e.g. \"persona\" for \"right of publicity\", \"obscenity\" for \"indecent\" -- or this state genuinely has no such provision, which is a could_not_verify with the index as the evidence of the search.”\n\nNote: Searched Wisconsin's official code index at docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/search for 'zoning', 'adult entertainment', 'sexually explicit', and 'obscenity'. All returned no matches. The index covers chapter titles and section headings but may not index every operative provision within a chapter. A full-text search of statute text was not available through this tool.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/search",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "NO MATCH in Wisconsin's code index for \"zoning\" (3 chapters/sections indexed from 1 pages). Either the words differ from the code's own wording -- try a synonym, e.g. \"persona\" for \"right of publicity\", \"obscenity\" for \"indecent\" -- or this state genuinely has no such provision, which is a could_not_verify with the index as the evidence of the search.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes",
      "topic": "Safety.legal",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level code index only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "quote_is_nonanswer",
          "strong_label_on_weak_content"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_ch100_no_adult_provisions",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 100: Rules.content",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Chapter 100 (Marketing; Trade Practices) contains no provisions related to adult entertainment, sexually oriented businesses, or adult content production",
      "body": "Chapter 100 (Marketing; Trade Practices) contains no provisions related to adult entertainment, sexually oriented businesses, or adult content production\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 100 MARKETING; TRADE PRACTICES 100.01 Produce wholesalers, unfair conduct, liability for damages. 100.02 Commission merchants, duties, must account. 100.025 Classification of dairy heifer calves. 100.04 Livestock production contracts. 100.05 Butter and cheese manufacturers; accounts accessible. 100.057 Wisconsin cheese logotype. 100.07 Milk payments; audits. 100.12 Refusal of commission merchant to furnish written statement of transaction prima facie evidence of gambling. 100.14 Uniform labels and trademarks. 100.15 Regulation of trading stamps. 100.16 Selling with pretense of prize; in-pack chance promotion exception. 100.17 Guessing contests. 100.171 Prize notices. 100.173 Ticket refunds. 100.174 Mail-order sales regulated. 100.175 Dating service contracts. 100.177 Fitness center and weight reduction center contracts. 100.178 Fitness center staff requirements. 100.18 Fraudulent representations. 100.182 Fraudulent drug advertising. 100.183 Fraud, advertising foods. 100.184 Advertising foods for sale. 100.185 Fraud, advertising musical performances. 100.186 Linseed oil, white lead, zinc oxide, turpentine; standards; sale. 100.187 Sale of honey and Wisconsin certified honey; rules, prohibitions. 100.19 Distribution methods and practices. 100.195 Unfair billing for consumer goods or services. 100.197 Patent notifications. 100.20 Methods of competition and trade practices. 100.201 Unfair trade practices in the dairy industry. 100.202 Contracts in violation void. 100.203 Vehicle protection product warranties. 100.205 Motor vehicle rustproofing warranties. 100.206 Music royalty collections; fair practices. 100.207 Telecommunications services. 100.208 Unfair trade practices in telecommunications. 100.209 Video programming service subscriber rights. 100.2095 Labeling of bedding. 100.21 Substantiation of energy savings or safety claims. 100.22 Discrimination in purchase of milk prohibited. 100.23 Contract to market agricultural products; interference prohibited. 100.235 Unfair trade practices in procurement of vegetable crops. 100.24 Revocation of corporate authority. 100.25 Cumulative remedies. 100.26 Penalties. 100.261 Consumer protection surcharge. 100.263 Recovery. 100.264 Violations against elderly or disabled persons. 100.265 List of gasohol and alternative fuel refueling facilities. 100.27 Dry cell batteries containing mercury. 100.28 Sale of cleaning agents and water conditioners containing phosphorus restricted. 100.285 Reduction of toxics in packaging. 100.29 Sale of nonrecyclable materials. 100.295 Labeling of recycled, recyclable or degradable products. 100.297 Plastic container recycled content. 100.30 Unfair sales act. 100.305 Prohibited selling practices during periods of abnormal economic disruption.”\n\nNote: Read the full Chapter 100 table of contents from the Wisconsin Legislature's official document site. No sections relate to adult entertainment, sexually oriented businesses, or adult content production licensing or zoning.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/ch.%20100",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 100 MARKETING; TRADE PRACTICES 100.01 Produce wholesalers, unfair conduct, liability for damages. 100.02 Commission merchants, duties, must account. 100.025 Classification of dairy heifer calves. 100.04 Livestock production contracts. 100.05 Butter and cheese manufacturers; accounts accessible. 100.057 Wisconsin cheese logotype. 100.07 Milk payments; audits. 100.12 Refusal of commission merchant to furnish written statement of transaction prima facie evidence of gambling. 100.14 Uniform labels and trademarks. 100.15 Regulation of trading stamps. 100.16 Selling with pretense of prize; in-pack chance promotion exception. 100.17 Guessing contests. 100.171 Prize notices. 100.173 Ticket refunds. 100.174 Mail-order sales regulated. 100.175 Dating service contracts. 100.177 Fitness center and weight reduction center contracts. 100.178 Fitness center staff requirements. 100.18 Fraudulent representations. 100.182 Fraudulent drug advertising. 100.183 Fraud, advertising foods. 100.184 Advertising foods for sale. 100.185 Fraud, advertising musical performances. 100.186 Linseed oil, white lead, zinc oxide, turpentine; standards; sale. 100.187 Sale of honey and Wisconsin certified honey; rules, prohibitions. 100.19 Distribution methods and practices. 100.195 Unfair billing for consumer goods or services. 100.197 Patent notifications. 100.20 Methods of competition and trade practices. 100.201 Unfair trade practices in the dairy industry. 100.202 Contracts in violation void. 100.203 Vehicle protection product warranties. 100.205 Motor vehicle rustproofing warranties. 100.206 Music royalty collections; fair practices. 100.207 Telecommunications services. 100.208 Unfair trade practices in telecommunications. 100.209 Video programming service subscriber rights. 100.2095 Labeling of bedding. 100.21 Substantiation of energy savings or safety claims. 100.22 Discrimination in purchase of milk prohibited. 100.23 Contract to market agricultural products; interference prohibited. 100.235 Unfair trade practices in procurement of vegetable crops. 100.24 Revocation of corporate authority. 100.25 Cumulative remedies. 100.26 Penalties. 100.261 Consumer protection surcharge. 100.263 Recovery. 100.264 Violations against elderly or disabled persons. 100.265 List of gasohol and alternative fuel refueling facilities. 100.27 Dry cell batteries containing mercury. 100.28 Sale of cleaning agents and water conditioners containing phosphorus restricted. 100.285 Reduction of toxics in packaging. 100.29 Sale of nonrecyclable materials. 100.295 Labeling of recycled, recyclable or degradable products. 100.297 Plastic container recycled content. 100.30 Unfair sales act. 100.305 Prohibited selling practices during periods of abnormal economic disruption.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 100",
      "topic": "Rules.content",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level statute",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_ch134_no_adult_business_licensing",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 134: Rules.content",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Chapter 134 (Miscellaneous Trade Regulations) contains no adult business licensing provisions; the closest relevant section is 134.46 on exhibition of explicit sexual material at outdoor theaters",
      "body": "Chapter 134 (Miscellaneous Trade Regulations) contains no adult business licensing provisions; the closest relevant section is 134.46 on exhibition of explicit sexual material at outdoor theaters\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 134 MISCELLANEOUS TRADE REGULATIONS 134.01 Injury to business; restraint of will. 134.02 Blacklisting and coercion of employees. 134.03 Preventing pursuit of work. 134.04 Sale of certain merchandise by employers to employees prohibited; penalty. 134.05 Bribery of agent, etc. 134.06 Bonus to chauffeurs for purchases, forbidden. 134.10 Invading right to choose insurance agent or insurer by persons engaged in financing. 134.11 Invading of right to choose insurance agent or insurer by persons engaged in selling property. 134.15 Issuing and using what is not money; contracts void. 134.16 Fraudulently receiving deposits. 134.17 Corporate name, recording, amendment, discontinuance, unlawful use. 134.18 Use of, evidence of obtaining credit. 134.19 Fraud on exemption laws. 134.20 Fraudulent issuance or use of warehouse receipts or bills of lading. 134.205 Warehouse keepers to keep register; liability for damages; penalty for fraud. 134.21 Penalty for unauthorized presentation of dramatic plays, etc. 134.23 Motion picture fair practices. 134.245 Definitions. 134.25 Misbranding of gold articles. 134.26 Misbranding of sterling silver articles. 134.27 Misbranding of coin silver articles. 134.28 Misbranding of base silver articles. 134.29 Testing of silver articles. 134.30 Misbranding of gold plated articles. 134.31 Misbranding of silver-plated articles. 134.32 Penalty for violations of ss. 134.25 to 134.31. 134.33 Platinum stamping. 134.34 Duplication of vessel hulls and parts. 134.345 Form retention and disposal. 134.35 Time of filing endorsed on telegrams delivered. 134.36 Telegraph; divulging message; preference in sending, etc. 134.37 Divulging message or forging receipt. 134.38 Companies to post copies of s. 134.37. 134.39 Fraudulent knowledge of dispatch; injury to wires; interference. 134.405 Purchase and sale of certain scrap material. 134.41 Poles and wires on private property without owner's consent. 134.43 Privacy and cable television. 134.45 Contracts restricting days for exhibiting motion picture films; penalty. 134.46 Exhibition of explicit sexual material at outdoor theater. 134.48 Contracts for the display of free newspapers. 134.49 Renewals and extensions of business contracts. 134.50 Poultry dealing regulations. 134.52 Shipment of chickens. 134.53 Transportation and sale of cattle. 134.57 Detectives, settlement with employees. 134.58 Use of unauthorized persons as officers. 134.59 Felons, burglar alarm installation. 134.60 Cutting or transportation of evergreens. 134.63 Nitrous oxide; restrictions on sales; records of certain sales; labeling. 134.65 Cigarette, electronic vaping devices, and tobacco products retailer license. 134.66 Restrictions on sale or gift of cigarettes or nicotine or tobacco products. 134.69 Peddling finger alphabet cards prohibited. 134.695 Antique dealers and recyclers. 134.71 Pawnbrokers and secondhand article and jewelry dealers. 134.715 Flea markets; proof of ownership, receipts, returns. 134.72 Prohibition of certain unsolicited messages by facsimile machine. 134.73 Identification of prisoner making telephone solicitation.”\n\nNote: Read the full Chapter 134 table of contents from the Wisconsin Legislature's official document site. Section 134.46 addresses 'Exhibition of explicit sexual material at outdoor theater' but is about outdoor theater exhibitions visible from public places, not about licensing or zoning of adult businesses. No sections address adult business licensing or zoning.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/ch.%20134",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 134 MISCELLANEOUS TRADE REGULATIONS 134.01 Injury to business; restraint of will. 134.02 Blacklisting and coercion of employees. 134.03 Preventing pursuit of work. 134.04 Sale of certain merchandise by employers to employees prohibited; penalty. 134.05 Bribery of agent, etc. 134.06 Bonus to chauffeurs for purchases, forbidden. 134.10 Invading right to choose insurance agent or insurer by persons engaged in financing. 134.11 Invading of right to choose insurance agent or insurer by persons engaged in selling property. 134.15 Issuing and using what is not money; contracts void. 134.16 Fraudulently receiving deposits. 134.17 Corporate name, recording, amendment, discontinuance, unlawful use. 134.18 Use of, evidence of obtaining credit. 134.19 Fraud on exemption laws. 134.20 Fraudulent issuance or use of warehouse receipts or bills of lading. 134.205 Warehouse keepers to keep register; liability for damages; penalty for fraud. 134.21 Penalty for unauthorized presentation of dramatic plays, etc. 134.23 Motion picture fair practices. 134.245 Definitions. 134.25 Misbranding of gold articles. 134.26 Misbranding of sterling silver articles. 134.27 Misbranding of coin silver articles. 134.28 Misbranding of base silver articles. 134.29 Testing of silver articles. 134.30 Misbranding of gold plated articles. 134.31 Misbranding of silver-plated articles. 134.32 Penalty for violations of ss. 134.25 to 134.31. 134.33 Platinum stamping. 134.34 Duplication of vessel hulls and parts. 134.345 Form retention and disposal. 134.35 Time of filing endorsed on telegrams delivered. 134.36 Telegraph; divulging message; preference in sending, etc. 134.37 Divulging message or forging receipt. 134.38 Companies to post copies of s. 134.37. 134.39 Fraudulent knowledge of dispatch; injury to wires; interference. 134.405 Purchase and sale of certain scrap material. 134.41 Poles and wires on private property without owner's consent. 134.43 Privacy and cable television. 134.45 Contracts restricting days for exhibiting motion picture films; penalty. 134.46 Exhibition of explicit sexual material at outdoor theater. 134.48 Contracts for the display of free newspapers. 134.49 Renewals and extensions of business contracts. 134.50 Poultry dealing regulations. 134.52 Shipment of chickens. 134.53 Transportation and sale of cattle. 134.57 Detectives, settlement with employees. 134.58 Use of unauthorized persons as officers. 134.59 Felons, burglar alarm installation. 134.60 Cutting or transportation of evergreens. 134.63 Nitrous oxide; restrictions on sales; records of certain sales; labeling. 134.65 Cigarette, electronic vaping devices, and tobacco products retailer license. 134.66 Restrictions on sale or gift of cigarettes or nicotine or tobacco products. 134.69 Peddling finger alphabet cards prohibited. 134.695 Antique dealers and recyclers. 134.71 Pawnbrokers and secondhand article and jewelry dealers. 134.715 Flea markets; proof of ownership, receipts, returns. 134.72 Prohibition of certain unsolicited messages by facsimile machine. 134.73 Identification of prisoner making telephone solicitation.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 134",
      "topic": "Rules.content",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level statute",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_ch175_amusement_places_license",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes Section 175.20: Access.signup",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 175.20 requires licensing for amusement places, public dance halls, and similar places of amusement where the public is admitted, but does not specifically address adult content production",
      "body": "Section 175.20 requires licensing for amusement places, public dance halls, and similar places of amusement where the public is admitted, but does not specifically address adult content production\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“175.20 Amusement places, license, regulation. (1) No person may conduct any dance to which the public is admitted, or conduct, establish or manage any public dance hall or pavilion, amusement park, carnival, concert, street fair, bathing beach or other like place of amusement in any county in which the board of supervisors has enacted an ordinance, adopted a resolution or enacted bylaws in accordance with the provisions of s. 59.56 (12) (b) or (br), subject to s. 59.56 (12m), without first securing a license as provided in s. 59.56 (12) (b) or (br) or 60.23 (10). No person required to have such a license may conduct a dance to which the public is admitted except in the presence and under the supervision of a county dance supervisor. (3) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section may be fined not more than $10,000 or may be imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both. In addition, the court may revoke the license or licenses of the person or persons convicted.”\n\nNote: Read Section 175.20 from the Wisconsin Legislature's official document site. This section addresses amusement places and dance halls, not adult content production. It requires a license for dances open to the public and amusement places, but does not define or regulate adult entertainment establishments or sexually oriented businesses.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/175.20",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "175.20 Amusement places, license, regulation. (1) No person may conduct any dance to which the public is admitted, or conduct, establish or manage any public dance hall or pavilion, amusement park, carnival, concert, street fair, bathing beach or other like place of amusement in any county in which the board of supervisors has enacted an ordinance, adopted a resolution or enacted bylaws in accordance with the provisions of s. 59.56 (12) (b) or (br), subject to s. 59.56 (12m), without first securing a license as provided in s. 59.56 (12) (b) or (br) or 60.23 (10). No person required to have such a license may conduct a dance to which the public is admitted except in the presence and under the supervision of a county dance supervisor. (3) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section may be fined not more than $10,000 or may be imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both. In addition, the court may revoke the license or licenses of the person or persons convicted.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes Section 175.20",
      "topic": "Access.signup",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level statute",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_ch66_offensive_industry_ordinance",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes Section 66.0415: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 66.0415 authorizes city and village common councils to license, regulate, or prohibit 'offensive industry' including 'nauseous, offensive or unwholesome business' within city/village limits or within 4 miles of boundaries, but does not define 'adult entertainment' or 'sexually oriented business'",
      "body": "Section 66.0415 authorizes city and village common councils to license, regulate, or prohibit 'offensive industry' including 'nauseous, offensive or unwholesome business' within city/village limits or within 4 miles of boundaries, but does not define 'adult entertainment' or 'sexually oriented business'\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“66.0415 Offensive industry. (1) Except as provided under s. 62.23 (7a) (am), the common council of a city or village board may direct the location, management and construction of, and license, regulate or prohibit, any industry, thing or place where any nauseous, offensive or unwholesome business is carried on, that is within the city or village or within 4 miles of the boundaries of the city or village, except that the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers with their branches to the outer limits of the county of Milwaukee, and all canals connecting with these rivers, together with the lands adjacent to these rivers and canals or within 100 yards of them, are within the jurisdiction of the city of Milwaukee. A town board has the same powers as are provided in this section for cities and villages as to the area within the town that is not licensed, regulated or prohibited by a city or village under this section. A business that is conducted in violation of a city, village or town ordinance that is authorized under this section is a public nuisance. An action for the abatement or removal of the business or an injunction to prevent operation of the business may be brought and maintained by the common council or village or town board in the name of this state on the relation of the city, village or town as provided in ss. 823.01, 823.02 and 823.07, or as provided in s. 254.58. Section 97.42 does not limit the powers granted by this section. Section 95.72 does not limit the powers granted by this section to cities or villages but powers granted to towns by this section are limited by s. 95.72 and by any orders and rules promulgated under s. 95.72.”\n\nNote: Read Section 66.0415 from the Wisconsin Legislature's official document site. This is a general grant of authority to municipalities to regulate 'offensive industry' but does not specifically define or target adult entertainment. The term 'nauseous, offensive or unwholesome business' is broad and could theoretically encompass adult businesses, but the statute does not explicitly mention adult content production or define what constitutes such a business.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/66.0415",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "66.0415 Offensive industry. (1) Except as provided under s. 62.23 (7a) (am), the common council of a city or village board may direct the location, management and construction of, and license, regulate or prohibit, any industry, thing or place where any nauseous, offensive or unwholesome business is carried on, that is within the city or village or within 4 miles of the boundaries of the city or village, except that the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers with their branches to the outer limits of the county of Milwaukee, and all canals connecting with these rivers, together with the lands adjacent to these rivers and canals or within 100 yards of them, are within the jurisdiction of the city of Milwaukee. A town board has the same powers as are provided in this section for cities and villages as to the area within the town that is not licensed, regulated or prohibited by a city or village under this section. A business that is conducted in violation of a city, village or town ordinance that is authorized under this section is a public nuisance. An action for the abatement or removal of the business or an injunction to prevent operation of the business may be brought and maintained by the common council or village or town board in the name of this state on the relation of the city, village or town as provided in ss. 823.01, 823.02 and 823.07, or as provided in s. 254.58. Section 97.42 does not limit the powers granted by this section. Section 95.72 does not limit the powers granted by this section to cities or villages but powers granted to towns by this section are limited by s. 95.72 and by any orders and rules promulgated under s. 95.72.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes Section 66.0415",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level statute granting municipal authority",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_municipal_codes_unable_to_access",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay municipal codes: Access.signup",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Unable to verify whether Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay municipal codes contain adult-use ordinances reaching private online production; municipal code pages could not be accessed",
      "body": "Unable to verify whether Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay municipal codes contain adult-use ordinances reaching private online production; municipal code pages could not be accessed\n\nWhat Municode actually says:\n\n“404 GET https://www.municode.com/wisconsin/milwaukee”\n\nNote: Attempted to access municipal codes for Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay via municode.com. All returned 404 errors. The three cities used are Milwaukee (population ~577,000), Madison (~270,000), and Green Bay (~105,000) — the three largest Wisconsin cities by population. Could not verify their adult-use ordinances. This is a gap: municipal codes may contain adult entertainment zoning or licensing provisions that were not accessible.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.municode.com/wisconsin/milwaukee",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "CREATOR STRATEGY",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Municode",
      "evidence_quote": "404 GET https://www.municode.com/wisconsin/milwaukee",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay municipal codes",
      "topic": "Access.signup",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Municipal codes not accessed",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r279_wisconsin_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_wis_state_no_specific_adult_business_licensing_statute",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin Statutes: Access.signup",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Wisconsin has no state-level licensing statute specifically for adult entertainment establishments or sexually oriented businesses; the state's code index contains no such provision",
      "body": "Wisconsin has no state-level licensing statute specifically for adult entertainment establishments or sexually oriented businesses; the state's code index contains no such provision\n\nWhat Wisconsin State Legislature actually says:\n\n“TABLE OF CONTENTS Sovereignty, Jurisdiction and Civil Divisions of the State. 1. Sovereignty and jurisdiction of the state. ... 50. Uniform licensure. 51. State alcohol, drug abuse, developmental disabilities and mental health act. ... 62. Cities. 66. General municipality law. ... 97. Food, lodging, and recreation. ... 100. Marketing; trade practices. 134. Miscellaneous trade regulations. 175. Miscellaneous police provisions. ... No chapter titled 'Adult Entertainment' or 'Sexually Oriented Businesses' appears in the Wisconsin Statutes table of contents.”\n\nNote: Reviewed the Wisconsin Statutes Table of Contents at docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/prefaces/toc. No chapter is titled or headed 'Adult Entertainment' or 'Sexually Oriented Businesses'. Chapters reviewed that could potentially contain such provisions include Chapter 100 (Marketing; Trade Practices), Chapter 134 (Miscellaneous Trade Regulations), Chapter 175 (Miscellaneous Police Provisions), and Chapter 66 (General Municipality Law). None contain adult-business-specific licensing or zoning provisions. However, the code index search tool returned 'NO MATCH' for multiple relevant search terms, and the table of contents does not guarantee that every provision is indexed by its subject matter heading.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/prefaces/toc",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-24",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Wisconsin State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "TABLE OF CONTENTS Sovereignty, Jurisdiction and Civil Divisions of the State. 1. Sovereignty and jurisdiction of the state. ... 50. Uniform licensure. 51. State alcohol, drug abuse, developmental disabilities and mental health act. ... 62. Cities. 66. General municipality law. ... 97. Food, lodging, and recreation. ... 100. Marketing; trade practices. 134. Miscellaneous trade regulations. 175. Miscellaneous police provisions. ... No chapter titled 'Adult Entertainment' or 'Sexually Oriented Businesses' appears in the Wisconsin Statutes table of contents.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "279-wisconsin-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Wisconsin Statutes",
      "topic": "Access.signup",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "State-level only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-wi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}