Alcohol Licensing Advisory Committee Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Alcohol Licensing Advisory Committee (ALAC) met on May 5, 2026, at 8:00 AM in Council Chambers. The committee handled several license applications, an operator's license appeal, a temporary extension request, a discussion of ordinance amendments, and received information on a proposed Designated Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA). All members were present except one vacancy. Votes and discussions are summarized below.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 14, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Renewal of Alcohol Licenses: All renewal applications were approved unanimously, with the following abstentions: Committee Member Sickich abstained from the vote on Mo's Tas Bag (he is the owner) and Council Member Nino abstained from Sandwich Bar Lark Market (he is the owner). The remaining licenses were approved as a block by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the committee outside of the public hearings held on specific license applications.

Discussion Items

• Temporary Extension of Class B Premise for Genisa Wine Bar and Jack & Jenny's (July 3, 2026): The applicant, Joshua Pickering, requested an extension onto the sidewalk, terrace, and closed street (Main Street from Wall to Milwaukee) for a musical event from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, with setup/cleanup from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. Committee Member Bumpus expressed concern about parking removal on a holiday weekend and the impact on other venues, noting that nearby bar owners had agreed but not in writing. The applicant cited a parking garage as an alternative and stated he sold tickets to control entry. The committee voted 5-0-1 (Knox abstained) to approve.
• Original Application – Butter Me Up Breakfast & Lunch (3360 Milton Ave): The owner, Saftia Limani (Cindy), applied for a Class C Wine Only and Class B Beer Only license to offer beer and wine (e.g., mimosas) at her new Janesville location. The police department had no concerns. Storage would be behind a coffee bar in a locked area. The committee voted 6-0 to approve. A public hearing was held with no opposition.
• Original Application – Papa Docs Axe (401 W. Milwaukee St.): Nathan Herzig, the new owner of the axe-throwing venue, applied for a Class B Beer Only license to continue beer sales. Police had no concerns. The committee voted 6-0 to approve after a public hearing with no opposition.
• Original Application – Stride Fuel (714 Center Ave.): Applicant Sharia Cooler (and her mother Simi) applied for a Class A Intoxicating Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage license for the gas station. Discussion focused on the proposed 43-square-foot display area (exceeding the 40-square-foot limit), storage accessibility, and lockable coolers. The applicants clarified measurements and agreed to comply with restrictions. Deputy Chief Ratzloff had no concerns. The committee voted 4-2 to approve (Knox and Sickich opposed).
• Operator's License Appeal – Randi Roehl: The applicant appealed a police department denial due to a second OWI conviction (2024) within five years. She argued the arrest was in 2020 and the court delay was due to COVID. She held an operator's license in another municipality. Committee Member Bumpus noted an outstanding fine balance. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 (Miller opposed) to approve the appeal, with the directive to visit the clerk's office.
• Temporary Class B License – Ballet Folklorico Juvenil Sangre Mexicana de Beloit: Representatives applied for a one-day permit for a food truck festival on June 6, 2026, at 1820 Center Avenue. They described using wristbands, caution tape, and security to contain the area. Police had no concerns. The committee voted 6-0 to approve, advising the applicants to obtain licensed bartenders.
• Review of City Ordinance 6-20 (Temporary Extension of Premises): City staff proposed amending the ordinance to remove limits on the number of events and allow multiple consecutive days at ALAC's discretion. After discussion, Committee Member Miller moved to set a finite number of six events per year while leaving the number of days unlimited at ALAC's discretion. The motion passed 6-0 via voice vote. Staff will forward this recommendation to the City Council for a public hearing on May 26.
• FOR INFORMATION ONLY – Proposed DORA Ordinance (File 2026-933): Committee Member Knox presented on behalf of the Downtown Janesville Business Improvement District (BID) Marketing Task Force. The DORA would allow possession and consumption of alcohol in a designated downtown area during specified times, using uniform cups. Nine other Wisconsin municipalities have similar ordinances. Knox addressed enforcement, the homeless population, and impact on Music at the MARV. Committee Member Bumpus expressed concern about potential misuse (e.g., homeless individuals collecting cups). The ordinance includes a sunset provision. No action was taken; it will proceed to City Council for first reading on May 11.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Licenses:
  • Temporary extension for Genisa Wine Bar/Jack & Jenny's (5-0-1)
  • Butter Me Up Breakfast & Lunch (Class C Wine & Class B Beer) (6-0)
  • Papa Docs Axe (Class B Beer) (6-0)
  • Stride Fuel (Class A Liquor & Beer) (4-2)
  • Operator's License Appeal for Randi Roehl (5-1)
  • Temporary Class B for Ballet Folklorico (6-0)
• License Renewals: Approved unanimously with two abstentions (Sickich and Nino).
• Ordinance Amendment Recommendation: The committee voted 6-0 to recommend amending Ordinance 6-20 to allow up to six temporary extensions per year with unlimited consecutive days at ALAC's discretion.
• Next Steps: All approved licenses and the ordinance amendment recommendation will appear on the May 11 City Council agenda. The DORA ordinance will have a first reading on May 11 with a public hearing May 26.