Madison council declines to renew Red Rooster liquor and entertainment licenses after December fatal crash

The Madison Common Council voted to accept the Alcohol License Review Committee—s findings and not renew the Class B combination alcohol beverage license and the city entertainment license held by Red Rooster Madison LLC after the licensee admitted facts in a complaint tied to a December crash that resulted in a death.

The council—s action on June 3 followed a presentation by Assistant City Attorney McReynolds and testimony from the licensee, Timothy Payne, and the city—s alcohol enforcement attorney. The motion, made by President Vittiver and seconded, directed the council to "adopt the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the ALRC" and to "not renew the Class B combination alcohol beverage license and City of Madison entertainment license of Red Rooster Madison LLC as recommended by the ALRC." The council recorded no objections and the motion passed.

Why it matters: Council members and city enforcement framed the decision as a public-safety measure tied to documented overservice, after-hours service and the presence of unlicensed staff…