Green Bay council denies liquor license renewal for Stage 1 after police recommendation

The Green Bay Common Council voted to deny the 2025–26 liquor license renewal for Stage 1, 231 North Broadway, following a staff recommendation based on a Green Bay Police Department memorandum summarizing repeated incidents and alleged stipulation violations.

The vote to deny the renewal was made by Alder Joseph Hutchison and seconded by Alder Morgan; the motion carried during the meeting. The denial triggers a city notice giving the licensee 10 days to appeal and, if appealed, a quasi‑judicial hearing would be scheduled before the council.

Council members cited the police memo and a documented history of disturbances and stipulation violations in explaining their votes. “With behavior as is outlined here in our documentation, it’s really hard for me in good conscience…to recommend renewing a license,” Green Bay Police Chief Davidson said, summarizing the department’s written recommendation.

Owner Alexander Graziano, identified in the meeting as the owner of Stage 1, told the council he would appeal a denial and asked for an opportunity to demonstrate improved operations. “We would appeal that decision if for no other reason than to publicly make known our side of the story,” Graziano said, and said he and his staff had worked with police and increased communications since earlier incidents.

Several employees and supporters spoke to the council. Pierre Ashley, identified as a security worker at Stage 1, told council members he has 15 years of security experience and said he is committed to keeping patrons safe. Caleb Robertson, a comedian and regular performer, and Damien Dorn, a longtime resident, asked the council to preserve the venue as a cultural and entertainment resource for the city. Co‑owner Robert Graziano described the venue’s non‑bar uses, saying Stage 1 hosts weddings, comedy shows and other community events.

Council members questioned whether prior measures — including a bar plan and a stipulation agreement that every licensed establishment completes — had been enforced or updated and whether violations listed in the police memo remained unresolved. Attorney Kochart advised the council to limit discussion of disputed facts that would be addressed in a later quasi‑judicial hearing if the owner appeals.

Alders who spoke in favor of denial cited a pattern of incidents. Alder Galvin, referencing the council packet and the police report, said the record was “pretty extensive” and that, regardless of whether some events were outside the owner’s control, responsibility attaches to the licensee. Alder Morgan said the number of listed stipulation violations and disturbances was “a little bit too much.”

The council’s denial begins the administrative appeal window. Attorney Kochart stated a non‑renewal notice would provide the licensee 10 days to file an appeal; if filed, the appeal would be placed on a subsequent council agenda and the establishment would be permitted to continue operating until final adjudication of the administrative proceeding.

The council and police encouraged continued communication and compliance efforts if the owner seeks to rectify issues through a stipulation agreement or similar remedy. The council did not set any additional conditions at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: The council approved a motion to deny the Stage 1 liquor license renewal; the vote was carried by voice vote and the motion passed. The city will issue a notice that gives the licensee 10 days to appeal and requests for a hearing would stay any immediate closure.

Ending: With the notice of non‑renewal issued, Stage 1 faces a formal administrative process if it files an appeal; council members and police said they remain open to negotiated compliance if it results in measurable improvements.