Milwaukee Licenses Committee Meeting – September 9, 2026

The Milwaukee Licenses Committee, chaired by Ald. Jocasta Zamarripa, met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:05 a.m. to 5:54 p.m. to consider a large number of license applications, renewals, and amendments. The committee voted on 45+ items, including operator's licenses, home improvement contractor licenses, tavern and entertainment licenses, food dealer permits, and more. Several items drew significant public testimony and debate, particularly around noise, nuisance, and community relations.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals and unanimous actions included the approval of a consent calendar of "Agenda Only" items (e.g., food dealer renewals, minor changes) and a list of "Warning Letter" items (e.g., Class A liquor renewals with no further action).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Play by Play (Gloria Diggs): Hazel Johnson (3939 W Concordia Ave) testified that customers park in front of her garage, block her driveway, and leave trash. Lydia Melton (3315 N 40th St) stated that noise, loitering, and disorderly conduct have increased since the bar reopened, with no improvement despite conversations with management. Melton also noted that the bar operated with expired licenses and that police response has been insufficient. The committee heard that the business had over 50 calls for service and multiple noise citations.
• Riés Crepes & Gelato (Wisam Assad): Multiple residents from the Riverpoint Condominiums (130 S Water St) testified in opposition. Bryan Montgomery, HOA president, said the extended hours violated condo rules limiting noise after 10 p.m., and that construction was occurring contrary to the application. Other neighbors cited lack of communication, irregularities in business transfers, and concerns about the applicant's criminal background. The applicant later withdrew the extended hours request, but neighbors remained opposed.
• Revival on Second (Emmanuel Mamalakis): Matthew Braun (Beer Capitol) testified about an outstanding $4,000 debt from a related LLC, though the city attorney noted the new entity is separate. Dave Hollister (810 S 3rd St) said the previous revival caused noise, pre-partying in cars, and litter, and that activity stopped when it closed.
• Jimmy's MKE (Jimmy Sims): Rich Steenwyk (2203 N Weil St) and Jenny Englert (Humboldt Bridge Condo Association) opposed the renewal, describing ongoing noise issues and non-compliance with a mitigation plan from a previous revocation hearing. One supporter, Tony Jones, stated the complaints were racially motivated and disputed the noise allegations.
• Other public comments were heard on items for Fancy's (support), Axolotl Cafe (neighbors' concerns via alder), and Pulse Auto (objections from BOZA process).

Discussion Items

• Play by Play (Gloria Diggs): The committee discussed the large number of noise violations, the business operating without a license after expiration, and the applicant's awareness. Ald. Burgelis and Ald. Zamarripa expressed strong concerns and opposed renewal. Ald. Jackson proposed approval with a warning letter and a community meeting, but the motion failed 2-2-1 (Ayes: Brower, Jackson; Noes: Burgelis, Zamarripa; Abstention: Pratt). The item was ultimately held for a community meeting.
• Lower Level Lounge (Sterling Odom): The applicant was found operating after hours and locking out police. Ald. Bauman argued non-renewal due to credibility issues and multiple violations. The committee voted to approve renewal with a 15-day suspension based on the preponderance of evidence.
• Rio Crepes & Gelato (Wisam Assad): After extensive neighbor testimony and discussion about lack of communication and construction irregularities, the committee voted to deny the license.
• Jimmy's MKE (Jimmy Sims): The committee debated requests to add a DJ and extend hours. Ald. Coggs did not support the DJ or extended hours due to persistent noise issues, but supported the base renewal with added hookah and food dealer licenses. The DJ and extended hours were held; the rest approved.
• Revival on Second (Emmanuel Mamalakis): An objection from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue was added to the file after the notice packet; the item was held to allow the applicant to address it.
• Other notable items:
  • Play by Play (as above) held for community meeting.
  • El Malecon de MKE Sport Bar – held because of insufficient communication with alder and neighbors.
  • Bodega Laundry (Wisam Assad) – denied because the applicant was operating without a current license.
  • National Hotel Milwaukee (rooming house) – approved with a warning letter after discussion of numerous police calls and a nuisance abatement plan.
  • Axolotl Cafe – approved as amended after debate over outdoor hours and amplified sound.

Key Outcomes

• Approved with amendments or conditions: Luke Osorio (operator's), Heidi Suleiman (operator's), Daniel Perez (Home Improvement), Chad Haggerty (Home Improvement), Courtney Felders (Home Improvement, items held open), Nathan Steimke (Fancy's), Harvian Carrasquillo Robles (Ebenezer Auto), Ashraf Almaged (Arabian Nights Hookah Lounge – no amplified sound on patio), Jorge Meraz Aguilera (Monterey Market Plaza – hours and sales percentages amended), Heather Ott (Wisconsin Country Club), Navjoot Sandhar (Clark on Center), Krishnateja Mummaneni (Skyway Food Market – ID scanner required), Yes Patel (Hinnawi Meat & Deli), Mohammad Riaz (Mini Quick Mart), Rajmaninder Singh Sangha (Citgo – extended hours), Jasmeet Singh (Villard Mart – new operator), Patrick Young (Wrench N Go), Jorge Trejo (Axolotl Cafe – patio hours amendment), Kelly Brzycki (Kelly's Tap – no amplified sound on patio), Prabjot Bhakhri (Franks Food & Liquor – ID scanner), Daniel Mora Sanchez (El Jalisciense Auto Sales – warning letter), Jacob Mashiach (National Hotel – warning letter), Marcus Wise (Pop MKE – approved), Stacy Wadusky (Ricky's on State), Asif Rajabali (Wingstop), Julia Swanson (St. Catherine's), Zebulon Allen (Ziggy Mealz), Kenneth Mays (80 Proof Milwaukee), Kalim Beg (Locust BP), Amer Qadan (Penny Saver – new license with mitigation plan), Jimmy Sims (Jimmy's MKE – base renewal with hookah and food dealer, DJ and hours held).
• Denied: Lux Laundromat (Wisam Assad – operating without license), Rio Crepes & Gelato (Wisam Assad – after neighbor testimony).
• Held for further action (community meeting, reconsideration, or other): Allyson Rauls, Yasmeen Robertson, Paulo Bosque, Lamonte Whitehead, Chad Haggerty (operator's), Whole Foods Market, Maricela Feker (2 Mesa), Thomas Holmes (Eve Dining), Heather Ott (initially, then reconsidered), Jamal Sood (Eagle Foods), Enam Arshad (Comfort Suites), Antonio Gutierrez Garnica (El Malecon), Marcelo Garcia (Taqueria Diana), Mohammed Ramadan (MKE Not Just Coffee), Takota Clarke (Tenzing Events), Ruben Medina Perdomo (Don Julio's), Sean Devoo (rooming house), Emanuel Mamalakis (Revival on Second – held due to DOR objection), Jeffrey Jones (Martin's Nest), and others.
• 15-day suspension: Sterling Odom (Lower Level Lounge) – renewal approved with a 15-day suspension for after-hours operation and failure to allow police access.

All items were part of File 260610, which the committee recommended for approval as amended by a 5-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m.