The Madison Alcohol License Review Committee voted to recommend that the Common Council not renew the Red Rooster’s class B alcohol and entertainment licenses following a city-filed nonrenewal complaint and the licensee’s partial admissions.

Assistant City Attorney Zillavy presented the complaint and cited a December incident in which police reports documented significant overservice, patrons consuming alcohol after the bar’s closing time and the bar manager’s subsequent arrest in connection with a fatal motor-vehicle crash. Zillavy said the incident and related police reports were the primary reason for the office’s nonrenewal complaint.

License agent Tim Paine appeared and, after consulting with the committee on procedure, said he felt "sick to my stomach" about the incident and that the event "does not represent a pattern" for the business. A bartender who registered to speak told the committee, "One horribly tragic night does not represent our business," but the assistant city attorney said police reports and other records showed multiple compliance problems.

The chair confirmed that the licensee admitted to most allegations in the complaint but disputed two specific paragraphs tied to a November incident; the city withdrew those two items (paragraphs 9 and 14) from immediate consideration so the ALRC could proceed based on the remaining allegations. After discussion, Alder Figueroa Cole moved — and the committee seconded — to recommend nonrenewal of both licenses. The motion passed by roll call: 3 ayes, 1 no (Vice Chair Westra), 1 abstention (Chair Boroshock). The ALRC will forward its recommendation and record of findings to the Common Council for final action; the licensee may appeal or present evidence to the council at that stage.

Committee members discussed timing: administrative rules require council action on renewals by statutory deadlines; the clerk will place the ALRC report on the next council agenda. If council adopts a nonrenewal, state/local rules require posting of revocation/nonrenewal signage at the premises and other administrative steps.