Milwaukee Licenses Committee Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Licenses Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council convened on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 9:08 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall to review and act on over 30 license applications, renewals, and related motions. The meeting lasted until 2:51 PM. Chair Jocasta Zamarripa presided, joined by Vice-Chair Andrea Pratt, and Aldermen Alex Brower, DiAndre Jackson, and Larissa Taylor (substituting for excused Alderman Peter Burgelis). The agenda included Class D operator licenses, food dealer permits, alcohol licenses, tavern and public entertainment premises, as well as extended hours and hookah services.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals and unanimous actions were grouped into two motions at the end of the meeting:
  • Agenda Only Items: Approved 5-0, including floor plan changes for 3rd St Market Hall, stock transfer for Martha's Vineyard, and pool table addition for The House.
  • Warning Letter Items: Approved 5-0, issuing written warnings to Joseph Gesbeck, Juan Zorilla, Diamond Inn Motel, Red White and Blue, Steny's, and Taco Bell #31507.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Little Caesars (9230 W Capitol Dr): Ald. Westmoreland raised concerns about overflowing dumpsters, litter, and landscaping stones on sidewalks. Applicant agreed to enclose the dumpster, add more trash cans, and replace stone wall with wood. No neighbors testified; approved.
• Play by Play (3910 W Fond du Lac Ave): Neighbors Hazel Johnson and Lydia Melton testified to chronic parking blockages, noise, and disrespect. Applicant presented a parking patrol plan. Committee approved a 10-day suspension and added geographic parking checks every 30 minutes after 10 PM.
• Dunkin (914 N 27th St): Savannah Brooks (Near West Side Partners) testified about panhandling, loitering, and litter, and lack of cooperation. Ald. Bauman recommended a 10-day suspension. Applicant committed to monthly meetings; approved with 10-day suspension.
• In N Out Grocery 2 (4503 W North Ave): Five community members supported the applicant, citing lack of food options and his community help (giving books to children). Ald. Stamper opposed due to recent police report (operating without license) and lack of property investment. Denied 5-0.
• ACES (6081 N Teutonia Ave): Neighbor Gary Flowers opposed, calling it a nightclub and noting unlicensed operation. A supporter claimed social media posts were for engagement only. Ald. Pratt moved denial based on 300-foot rule to churches; denied 5-0.

Discussion Items

• Class D Operator Licenses: Richelle Gause, Allyson Rauls, and Charles Suetrong were denied for second nonappearance (5-0). Joy Dietrich (parking tickets) and Bruce Richardson (OWI completed program) were approved. Jonathan Kaul and Jeannette Tatum were held for first nonappearance.
• Little Caesars: Renewed after addressing litter and safety concerns; agreed to enclose dumpster, add trash cans, and replace landscaping.
• Brothers Petrol (2175 N 35th St): Applicant noted employee error on drug paraphernalia and recent OWI. Approved 4-1 (Zamarripa dissented due to police report concerns).
• In N Out Grocery 2: Denied after police report showed unlicensed operation and recent OWI. Local alder opposed.
• La Carreta Vieja Night Club: Held to call of chair at applicant's request for attorney and additional evidence.
• Farfesh Cafe (200 W Layton Av): Applicant agreed to close at midnight instead of 2 AM; withdrawn extended hours application; approved.
• The Seafood Shack Cocktail Lounge: Held for neighborhood meeting due to objections.
• JB's on 41: Approved with amendment to increase surveillance cameras from 32 to 39.
• McDonald's (2612 W Morgan Av): Application voluntarily surrendered; no action taken.
• El Tenampa Mexican Grill: Approved with amended hours (Mon-Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 7AM-3PM).
• Mr. B's Restaurant: Approved with amendment to add hookah services (non-tobacco) and a warning letter.
• El Malecon: Approved after removing bands and instrumental musicians per neighborhood request.
• Oklahoma Liquor (933 W Oklahoma Av): Approved with amendment to add ID verification system and a warning letter for underage sale.
• Play by Play: Approved with 10-day suspension and added parking patrol plan (formally every 30 minutes after 10 PM Mon-Thu, and every 30 minutes 10-11 PM and every 15 minutes 11PM-2AM Fri-Sat, geographic bounds including W Concordia, W Townsend, N 39th, N 40th, and W Fond du Lac). er- V&T Liquor (916 W Burleigh St): Approved with amendment to purchase an ID scanner; previous police report item had been addressed.
• Corner Liquor (3500 N Port Washington Av): Approved with warning letter and amendment to include point-of-sale ID scanner.
• Days Inn & Suites (1840 N 6th St): Approved with amendment to hold regular stakeholder meetings with Vine St businesses.
• Cafe Colada (825 N Jefferson St): New application approved (Cuban coffee house).
• Dunkin (914 N 27th St): Approved with 10-day suspension based on persistent nuisance and lack of engagement.
• Nana Food & Grocery (959 N 27th St): Approved with warning letter after applicant committed to attending monthly meetings.
• ACES: Denied based on 300-foot rule to churches/daycares (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Denials:
  • Class D operators Gause, Rauls, Suetrong (second nonappearance).
  • In N Out Grocery 2 (5-0).
  • Elephant TKB (second nonappearance).
  • ACES (5-0, 300-foot rule).
• Suspensions:
  • Play by Play: 10-day suspension (3-2 vote; Zamarripa, Brower, Jackson in favor; Pratt, Taylor opposed).
  • Dunkin: 10-day suspension (unanimous).
• Approvals with Conditions: Many licenses were renewed or granted with operational amendments, such as adding ID scanners, modifying hours, increasing patrols, or requiring community engagement.
• Next Steps: All approved and denied recommendations will be forwarded to the Common Council for final consideration on November 4, 2026. Applicants may file written exceptions by October 29, 2026, and may appear before the Council.
• Meeting Adjourned: 2:51 PM.