Fitchburg Public Safety & Human Services Committee Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Public Safety and Human Services Committee of the Fitchburg Common Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting, presided over by Chair Alder Reichstadt and Alder Leper, focused on the approval of routine and new liquor, fermented malt beverage, and sound permits. Vice Chair Alder Dave Herbst was excused. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals including minutes, operator licenses, cigarette, tobacco, and electronic vaping device license renewals were approved unanimously via motion by Alder Leper.

Discussion Items

• Sound Permit for Rusty B Lounge (Item 5A): Staff reported one emailed noise complaint from a resident approximately one mile southwest of the venue. Chair Reichstadt noted they live much closer and have not experienced significant noise. The permit allows live music on Fridays and Saturdays and background patio music daily from 3 PM to 10 PM, running from June 10th through November 1st, 2026. Alder Leper clarified the permit is a blanket annual permit, avoiding the need for separate applications for each event. The item was approved unanimously.
• New Liquor Licenses:
  • Miyabi Fitchburg Inc. (Item 6A): Applicant Bella presented plans for a high-end Japanese restaurant with a full bar at 6317 McKee Road. She stated she owns other restaurants in the area and believes a fine dining establishment is needed in the community. Alder Leper expressed excitement, welcoming the business to the district and personally pledging to be a frequent customer. The Class B fermented malt beverage and reserve Class B intoxicating liquor license was approved unanimously.
  • La Hispana LLC (Item 6B): Applicant Lyd Tehada described the business as a family-owned Hispanic grocery store expanding from another Fitchburg location. The license is for selling beer only. The Class A fermented malt beverage license was approved unanimously.
• License Renewals (Items 7A-7I): Staff member Tracy confirmed all background checks and approvals were in order for a lengthy list of renewals, with no public complaints noted. Discussion included:
  • Class B vs. Reserve Class B: Alder Leper asked about the difference. Staff explained that regular Class B licenses are grandfathered, while reserve licenses are allocated as the city's population grows by increments of 500 to maintain proportionality with community size.
  • Bon Bon Bell Bridal Boutique (Item 7H): Alder Leper questioned the need for an intoxicating liquor license at a bridal boutique. Staff explained the Class A license only allows for two 3-ounce samples of champagne for customers celebrating a dress purchase, rather than operating as a bar. Alder Leper acknowledged this was reasonable.
  • Quick Trip 959 (Item 7I): Staff explained that unlike other recently approved Quick Trip locations, this location at 6208 McKee Road only applied for a fermented malt beverage and cider license (beer and cider), not a full liquor license.

Key Outcomes

• Voting Record: Roll call showed present: Alder Reichstadt (Chair) and Alder Leper. Absent: Alder Herbst.
• Approvals: All items were approved unanimously by voice vote.
  • Consent Agenda approved.
  • Item 5A (Rusty B Lounge Sound Permit) approved.
  • Item 6A (Miyabi Fitchburg Inc. licenses) approved.
  • Item 6B (La Hispana LLC license) approved.
  • Items 7A-7I (Renewal of dozens of liquor, beer, and wine licenses for various businesses including AMC, Me & Julio, VFW, Thirsty Goat, Fairways, Great Dane, Aldi, Target, etc.) approved.
• Next Steps: Licenses for the new applicants (Miyabi and La Hispana) are expected to be issued within the next week. Applicants were excused from the remainder of the meeting.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 23, 2026, with a target start time of 5:45 PM.