City committee reviews bartender license application amid recent OWI arrest details

During the recent License & Ordinance Committee meeting in Middleton, significant discussions centered around the implications of past offenses on licensing decisions, particularly concerning alcohol-related incidents. The committee reviewed the application of an individual, Mr. Fang Nam, who has a history of operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrests, including a conviction in 2013 and a more recent arrest in 2025.

The committee members expressed concerns regarding the applicant's disclosure of his OWI history. While Mr. Nam did mention a prohibited alcohol concentration violation, he did not fully disclose his OWI arrests in the application, which raised questions about the transparency of his submission. The committee interpreted this omission as potentially misleading, especially given the severity of the recent incident, where Mr. Nam's blood alcohol level was reported to be three times the legal limit, accompanied by inappropriate behavior towards law enforcement during the arrest.

Legal counsel for the committee, Attorney Fleming, provided insights into how state statutes address offenses and the potential for rehabilitation. He noted that while Mr. Nam's most recent arrest is still pending court proceedings, the committee must consider whether the circumstances of the offense relate to the responsibilities of a bartender. This raises critical questions about the applicant's suitability for a license in the context of public safety and the integrity of licensed activities.

The discussion also touched on the procedural aspects of Mr. Nam's previous application, which was processed without committee review. This led to further deliberation on whether the committee should view the previous offenses as a legitimate misunderstanding or a significant concern that could impact the current licensing decision.

As the committee continues to evaluate Mr. Nam's application, the outcome will likely hinge on the interpretation of his past behavior and its relevance to his responsibilities as a licensed bartender. The meeting underscored the delicate balance between granting licenses and ensuring community safety, particularly in establishments serving alcohol. The committee's next steps will involve a thorough review of all relevant details before making a final decision on the application.