Council approves Jamrock liquor license renewal 8-3 after conditional history and debate

The Green Bay Common Council approved the 2025–2026 liquor license renewal for Jamrock, located at 700 Bodart Street, by an 8–3 roll-call vote after a floor hearing and discussion about prior enforcement history. Alder Johnson moved to approve the renewal; the motion was seconded by Alder Presley and passed 8–3.

Owner Ricardo Neil told the council he completed the previously required abatement plan and said his pending criminal case had been delayed; he asked for another chance to keep providing for his family. “I’m asking for another chance to continue, providing for my family,” Neil said during his remarks.

City Attorney Kochart and Chief Davidson explained procedural history. Kochart noted that last year the council had renewed the Jamrock license on condition that the owner submit an abatement plan prior to renewal; that condition had been the basis for the previous action. Chief Davidson told council the police recommendation again reflected the department’s review of documented activity and the department’s assessment that concerns remained, though staff confirmed no additional incidents beyond those in the report had been added since the prior review.

Councilors discussed whether the pending criminal case should change the council’s administrative action; staff explained the city’s hearing and criminal timelines are separate. If the city’s administrative notice is issued and the owner appeals, the appeal process would be scheduled and the establishment may continue to operate during adjudication. After debate about fairness and due process, the renewal motion passed on roll call 8–3 (ayes: 8; nays: 3).