ALRC approves multiple liquor, operator and entertainment licenses; several approvals carry conditions

The Alcohol License Review Committee on March 19 approved a batch of new and renewal license requests and referred one ordinance for later consideration.

The committee recommended a consent agenda including approval of an operator license (item 2), a temporary Class B license with a street-use permit for Record Store Day (item 5) and a referral of ordinance item 14 to the June 18, 2025 ALRC meeting. The committee then took up and approved a series of individual license applications and operator licenses.

Why it matters: The committee’s actions allow multiple hospitality and entertainment businesses to operate or continue operating with alcohol service in the city; several approvals include conditions the committee said are intended to manage public-safety or code risks.

Key approvals and formal outcomes - Ichiban Sejuan Madison LLC, 610 S. Park St. (item 7): Approved with the condition that the establishment continue to meet the definition of a restaurant under Madison General Ordinance (MGO) 38.02 at all times. (Motion to approve; second; no objections.)

- Taste of Szechuan Madison LLC, 515 State St. (item 10): Approved with conditions that the establishment meet MGO 38.02 and have food available during operating hours. Existing State Street corridor conditions (background music/karaoke only; alcohol cutoffs noted on the existing license) were discussed by staff. (Motion to approve; second; no objections.)

- Operator license for Cheyenne Felton (employed at Momo’s): Granted with condition. The committee required a letter of support from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) to be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by the April meeting; the committee said it will treat the submission as the basis for final processing. (Motion by Alder Revere; second by Mr. Roushock; approved with conditions.)

- Operator license for Shauna Majeski (Woodman’s): Approved. (Motion and second; no objections.)

- Mansion Hill Inn (21-plus entertainment license): Approved; committee advised the applicant to initiate zoning review because the license cannot be issued until any required zoning approvals or conditional-use permits are secured. (Motion and second; no objections.)

- Atwood Music Hall (event/entertainment space): Approved. Applicant is experienced and staff reported required responsible-service training documentation was provided. (Motion and second; no objections.)

- Rotunda Cafe (1965 Atwood Ave.): Approved, but staff and the applicant discussed fire/building issues including whether the building requires sprinklers for higher occupancy; the fire inspector and building inspector follow-up could affect license issuance timing. (Motion and second; no objections.)

- Hotbox LLC (1925 Monroe St.): Approved with a written condition that alcohol sales cease by 11:00 p.m. nightly; the committee added an exception for New Year’s Eve. (Motion and second; approved as amended.)

- Michiqui Peruvian Cuisine LLC (225 King St.): Approved. Committee members asked the applicant about a security plan; the applicant said she will adopt practices used at her other locations. (Motion and second; no objections.)

Consent agenda and ordinance referral - The consent agenda recommended referral of item 14 (an ordinance amending MGO 38.05 to allow geographic limitations on certain license applications) to the June 18, 2025 ALRC meeting, as requested by the resolution sponsor. Members discussed that a revised draft was expected before committee review.

What the committee did not record: The meeting’s roll-call tallies were not read into the record for each item; approvals were made by voice or by unanimous consent where no objections were raised.

Next steps: Several approvals require follow-up steps before the City can issue licenses (zoning approvals, documentation from supervisory authorities, or building/fire inspections). The Clerk’s Office and applicants were given instructions for submitting outstanding documents.