Wisconsin is known for its love of cheese, but did you know that the state also has a strange law prohibiting the use of butter substitutes in restaurants? The law has been in place since 1957 and has caused confusion among both restaurant owners and customers.

According to the law, any restaurant in Wisconsin that serves food must use real butter and cannot use margarine or any other butter substitute unless specifically requested by a customer. Violating this law could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.

The origins of the law date back to a time when dairy farmers in Wisconsin were struggling to compete with margarine, which was often cheaper and more readily available than real butter. The law was intended to protect the state’s dairy industry by promoting the use of real butter.

Today, the law remains on the books and continues to puzzle both locals and visitors to the state. However, some restaurants have found creative ways to work around the law by offering “butter blends” that are made with a combination of real butter and other oils.

While the law may seem strange, it is a unique piece of Wisconsin’s history and serves as a reminder of the state’s deep connection to its dairy industry. So the next time you visit a Wisconsin restaurant, be sure to ask for real butter – or risk breaking the law!