Licenses Committee Meeting Summary: September 9, 2026

The Milwaukee Licenses Committee, chaired by Alderperson Jocasta Zamarripa, met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:05 AM to approximately 5:00 PM to consider over 40 license applications, renewals, and related motions. The committee took actions including approvals, denials, holds, and one 15-day suspension. The meeting was webcast live and included testimony from numerous neighbors and stakeholders.

Consent Calendar

• Approved warning letters for several renewal applications without objection, including Green Bay Food and Liquor Inc., Baba Street Shan G2 Inc., and others as moved by Alderman Bergellis.
• Approved multiple renewal and new license applications with unanimous consent when no objections were present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Splendicare Bar and Grill (Play-by-Play): Multiple neighbors testified about excessive noise, litter, and safety concerns. One neighbor reported the business was operating without a current license. The applicant acknowledged noise issues and stated she was working on sound barriers.
• Real Crepes and Gelato (130 S. Water St.): Over a dozen neighbors opposed the application, citing lack of communication with the condominium association, unauthorized construction, and concerns about the applicant's criminal background. The applicant agreed to remove the request for extended hours (2 AM closing) and amend to 10 PM closing.
• Revival on Second (814 S. Second St.): Two neighbors testified in opposition, citing noise, litter, and unruly patrons. A creditor also testified about an outstanding debt from a related LLC.
• Jimmy's MKE (2221 N. Humboldt Ave.): Two neighbors opposed the addition of DJ services and extended hours, citing persistent noise issues and lack of compliance with a prior mitigation plan.
• Taylors at 795 N. Jefferson St. : Two neighbors testified about general noise and safety concerns in the area, but did not provide specific evidence against the establishment.
• Other items: No neighbors testified for most items, or testimony was in support (e.g., for the new applicant at 510 W. Vine St.).

Discussion Items

• Lux Laundromat (Bodega Laundry): The applicant was operating without a license and had a criminal record (assault and disorderly conduct convictions). The committee denied the application (motion by Alderman Bergellis, no objections).
• Real Crepes and Gelato: Despite amending hours to 10 PM, the committee denied the application due to lack of communication with neighbors and the condominium association, as well as concerns about the applicant's credibility and unauthorized construction. Motion to deny passed without objection.
• Lower Level Lounge (Sterling Odom): The committee imposed a 15-day suspension after finding that the licensee allowed after-hours drinking and locked police out. The motion for renewal with warning letter failed (2-2 with one abstention), then a motion for 15-day suspension passed (no objections recorded).
• Jimmy's MKE: The committee approved the renewal and added hookah and food dealer licenses, but denied the request for DJ services and extended hours, holding those items for future consideration. The plan of operation was amended to require cleaning twice daily.
• National Hotel Milwaukee (rooming house): Approved with a warning letter after the applicant detailed a nuisance abatement plan that included additional cameras, no trespassing signs, and daily inspections.
• St. Catharines of Hope (rooming house): Approved with change of agent.
• Several other items: Discussions included amendments to plans of operation (e.g., requiring ID scanners for regulated product sales, prohibiting amplified sound on patios, adjusting hours).

Key Outcomes

• Denials:
  • Lux Laundromat (Bodega Laundry) – denied for operating without a license and criminal background.
  • Real Crepes and Gelato – denied for lack of community engagement and credibility.
• Suspension:
  • Lower Level Lounge – 15-day suspension for after-hours violations and locking police out.
• Approvals with Amendments:
  • Many renewals and new licenses approved, often with amendments to plans of operation (e.g., ID scanners, earlier closing times, no outdoor amplified sound).
  • Warning letters issued for several renewals.
• Holds:
  • Several items held for further investigation, including Splendicare Bar and Grill (pending community meeting), El Malacon (due to insufficient communication), and others.
• Consent Items: Warning letters for multiple renewals approved unanimously.