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New Majestic gets input
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by Peter Sielski
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Preparing for its grand opening in September, the new owners of Majestic Theatre discussed plans for the music venue with Madison community members Monday night and assured residents safety is a top priority for the new establishment.
Most attendees expressed concern over the venue's impact on the surrounding neighborhood and questioned whether it could overcome safety problems that plagued its predecessor, Club Majestic, which was the scene of numerous high-profile violent incidents outside its doors.
New Majestic owners Scott Leslie and Matt Gerding said the venue would not revert back to a nightclub, saying their musical goals will come before profits.
"We're not going to change our focus, where suddenly we are a hip-hop club two months down the road if things don't work out," Gerding said.
Even if Majestic Theatre tries reverting to a nightclub, Leslie said the business is bound by its insurance not to do so, and such action would leave the business uninsured.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, and Lt. Jue Belles of the Madison Police Department said ensuring the new Majestic Theatre does not cause the same problems as its predecessor is crucial in planning for the new venue.
Belles said if the new venue did not begin safely, it could hurt the business's credibility and likelihood of future success.
"I think their plans do need some work, but mostly I think it is an issue of credibility," Belles said. "Once they get a few shows under their belt and build up their credibility … then they can start taking away restrictions."
According to Leslie and Gerding, one of their main priorities is maintaining safety around the venue. Currently, their plans include a security guard for every 50 people, security cameras, bartenders trained to not over-serve alcohol and a "strict but simple" wristband policy for underage patrons.
"Everybody has a great deal of interest in seeing the downtown remain a safe community," Leslie said. "Our customers need to feel safe, and the neighborhood needs to feel safe."
The owners also said they will focus their advertising not on cheap alcohol or drink specials, but on the event. The owners said this approach will, in turn, draw customers looking for a good show as opposed to simply getting "hammered." They said their drink specials will not consist of "all you can drink" or 2-for-1 specials, as these specials caused problems for Club Majestic.
Verveer, who also serves on the Alcohol License Review Committee, said he was "comfortable" with the proposed concepts, and said he will be voting in favor of the alcohol licensing tomorrow.
"I will be proposing some conditions that will hopefully not affect their economic well-being," Verveer added. "We will be able to achieve a good compromise."
Overall, attendees thought the owners had done a good job in beginning their plans for the opening later this year. According to Kathy Dethmers, owner of the High Noon Saloon, the owners had taken all the right steps in commencing their initial plans.
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