The “problem bars” came before Madison city council’s Alcohol License Review Committee Wednesday and left with their licenses renewed and a few slaps on the wrist.
All the alcohol vendors, including six student-patronized establishments whose troubles with city violations over the last year prevented their annual automatic-renewal last week, received licensing at a meeting that started at 4:30 p.m. but lasted over five hours.
The committee reminded Bruce Meier, owner of Kollege Klub, 529 N. Lake, of his outstanding prosecution following a massive underage-drinking bust in the spring, but also acknowledged his efforts to comply with ALRC requests. Meier sent his staff Monday night to training on responsible alcohol service and problem-handling with the Madison Police Department.
ALRC members transferred ownership of Church Key, 626 University Ave., and Riley’s Wines of the World, 402 W. Gorham, to Jongyean Lee from her husband, Hyungirl Lee, who is in federal prison after a being convicted of tax evasion in late May.
Church Key and Riley’s also got renewal after Lee accepted five conditions for operating Riley’s. Among other stipulations, the liquor store must turn over its security tapes to police upon request, stop selling single containers of malt beverages and submit its staff to police training similar to that the KK attended.
Mrs. Lee and Riley’s employees must also undergo education about chronic street alcoholism and, with help from the MPD, produce written staff policy manuals.
The other liquor store in question, Party Port, 2901 University Ave., also received its licensing.
The committee members offered stern admonitions to two State Street bars, Madison Masala and Spices Kitchen, that they must enforce no-dancing codes since the owners do not have cabaret licenses. Meanwhile, ALRC granted a cabaret license to Angelic Brewing Company, 322 W. Johnson, which was not considered a problem bar or in danger of losing its alcohol license.
Reportedly, the Angelic’s owners do not plan on rearranging its floor plan to accommodate more dancing. When patrons begin dancing at the venue, which already featured live music performances, managers now no longer need to tell them to stop.
