A new entertainment and sports-focused bar still must jump one hurdle in its application to serve alcohol.
Sconnie Bar, a venture of Sconnie Nation founder Troy Vosseller, applied for a liquor license in the former location of Cue-nique, above the current location of Chaser’s on the 300 block of W. Gorham Street.
The application hit a snag at a meeting of the city’s Alcohol License Review Committee in late August, where, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, officials revealed that the previous capacity of the property was 150 persons, and not the 500 for which Vosseller had applied.
About an hour into the ALRC meeting, while Vosseller and his associates were presenting the details of their proposal to the commission, MPD liaison Lt. Carl Gloede pointed out Cue-nique’s former capacity had been 150, Vosseller told The Badger Herald.
Because of stipulations in the Alcohol License Density Ordinance, Sconnie Bar cannot apply for a capacity higher than that of the previous occupant, despite the fact architectural estimates put the maximum capacity at as much as 520 people.
Sconnie Bar could apply for a license at a new location if negotiations with city officials fail, Vosseller said.
“Our assumption was that we were working with a clean slate,” Vosseller said. “It had been so long since Cue-nique had been open that we assumed we could go ahead […] We’re kind of in a standstill right now.”
Vosseller added he applied at the location on Gorham St. because of the Alcohol License Review Committee’s recent suspension of the 365-day rule, which previously prohibited new tenants from occupying the space above Chaser’s.
Vossller said he would likely spend $1 million renovating the interior of the former pool hall, which will include a circular bar and a stage for live music. He also said he plans to book cover bands and DJs with alternating 30-45 minute sets.
Both local and nationally touring acts would come to the bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with the added possibility of an acoustic or open-mic night, Vosseller said. He also said a dance floor would likely be included for DJ sets.
Because of the prominence of live entertainment, Verveer has thrown his support behind Sconnie Bar.
“I think they would do an absolutely excellent job, and they’ve come up with a great concept of being a joint live music and sports bar,” Verveer said. “I really hope it works out for them because I think it would be an excellent addition to the campus that would be instantly popular.”
The bar will carry a Wisconsin sports theme, with memorabilia and HDTVs lining the walls and a menu which includes traditional Wisconsin foods such as cheese curds and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Vosseller also said in his liquor license application that he plans to use electronic scanners and undercover employees to prevent the use of fake identification in the bar.
