HomeMy WebLinkAbout34. Inactive LicensesInactive Licenses
Renewals were mailed out March 17, 2021 – Due back April 15, 2021
Brass Rail, 1812 Algoma Blvd – Closed 5/2017 (New Owner on 8/2019 - never opened)
Witzkes Tavern, 1700 Oregon St – Closed 10/2019 (Hold from DOR)
Lang Development, 615 S. Main St (Previous Brooklyn) - Closed 12/2019 (trying to rent)
Pubs & More, 709 Otter Ave (Previous Uncle Don’s) Closed 12/2019 (trying to sell)
Sherman House, 1029 S. Main St (Previous Overtime Bar & Grill) Closed 12/2019 (trying to sell)
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Mark Rohloff, City Manager
DATE: April 22, 2021
RE: Inactive Liquor Licenses
As City Clerk Pamela Ubrig has indicated, we currently have five inactive liquor licenses that we have
permitted to remain inactive during the COVID 19 pandemic. All five licenses have been inactive prior to
the pandemic. Even though Council policy would have normally directed us to begin a process to either
not renew or revoke these licenses, staff recommended that we not take any action during the pandemic.
Recently, the City Clerk has begun the renewal process for the 2021 - 22 licensing year, and all but one of
these inactive licenses have requested renewal.
In previous years, these licenses have become very important to properties, as the belief was that liquor
licenses were so hard to come by, that if they were to surrender the license, they would no longer be able
to market a property as a bar or restaurant with liquor service. Nowadays, the turnover in these businesses
and the introduction of new restaurants has changed the dynamics for liquor licenses. Specifically, having
a liquor license available for immediate issuance by the City Clerk is the most effective way to create
business activity from an economic development standpoint. The most effective way for us to allow a
business such as a bar or restaurant to begin operations is to have a pool of liquor licenses readily available
when they are needed. As businesses cease to operate, the license is immediately put back into the pool of
available licenses, thereby creating a good inventory for all potential businesses.
In the past, there has been a reluctance to revoke these licenses or not to renew them because Council felt
that they did not want to take away the possibility of this business being able to reopen and/or sell. Using
the pooled license approach, we can make licenses available to all potential users. For this reason, it is
recommended that Council direct staff to notify these subject businesses of our intent to initiate the non-
renewal process. These properties would then have the opportunity to present their case before the City
Council in a quasi-judicial setting. Council could then consider the facts and determine if non-renewal is
appropriate. This approach will improve our ability to attract businesses that may have immediate plans
to develop a bar or restaurant, but may not have liquor license in their possession.
If you have any questions regarding this proposed process, please feel free to come to contact City Clerk
Pamela Ubrig, City Attorney Lynn Lorenson, or me.