The city’s Alcohol License Review Committee voted to approve The Pub’s entertainment license Wednesday, which allows the bar to host live music and DJs.
According to managers, the music would not be a major attraction on weekends, but it would just be something to stimulate business on slower nights. The bands, which would play roughly twice a month, would all be high-quality local musicians.
When asked about the reported sale of The Pub, co-owner David Schwoegler denied he would be selling the bar. He said he did not know where the information came from, but it was incorrect.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he found the comments “mystifying,” as he has had a meeting with the buyer, and there “is still currently intent to sell the bar.”
The ALRC also voted to not approve an amendment that would have added a student vote on the committee, sending its recommendation to the City Council, which still must vote on the issue.
Ald. Bryon Eagon, District 8, said he believes the student body would be more likely to get involved in other issues if the city were to show they were interested in what students have to say on the ALRC.
“I think we as a city should be supporting the student population as much as possible,” Eagon said. “Few issues take more attention and more passion from the students than the issues that this committee sees.”
Some committee members did not think it was appropriate to guarantee students a vote when not all of the issues debated by the ALRC are related to campus.
“I think sometimes we forget what the mission of the ALRC is,” said Tavern League President Marsh Shapiro, a committee member.
Other committee members voiced their reluctance to add another member at all based on how long the meetings currently run.
Alcohol Policy Coordinator Katherine Plominski suggested imposing an age limit of 25 or younger on the new position.
The ALRC also approved a liquor license for Segredo, the bowling boutique to replace Madison Avenue.
Building owner Jon Okonek will remain as agent on the license. He said he would assist owner Michael Hierl.
Committee member Pam Bean said she was happy Okonek would be assisting Hierl, especially with enforcing underage drinking laws. The committee also granted a liquor license to Fresh Madison Market, a grocery store that will be opening in the University Square building in early 2010.
Owner Jeff Maurer’s application would not allow the sale of hard liquor, kegs and fortified wine.
“We would like to sell beer and wine as a complement to a typical meal,” Maurer said.
Longtime Madison resident Rosemary Lee questioned whether a store selling alcohol should be allowed in a building that houses so many students.
The ALRC’s decisions will have to be finalized at a future City Council meeting.
