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Police report shows compliance checks found underage sales, investigates overserving incident at M and R bar
Summary
Wausau police briefed the committee on April tavern enforcement: three compliance checks resulted in sales to underage decoys, an intoxicated patron at M and R bar suffered a traumatic brain injury under investigation, and staff and police will coordinate a reminder communication for licensees ahead of July renewals.
The Wausau Police Department on May 19 reported to the Public Health and Safety Committee that April compliance checks found three taverns that sold alcohol to a person under 21 during undercover operations and that an extremely intoxicated patron from M and R bar suffered a traumatic brain injury after leaving the establishment; that incident is under investigation.
Police described the underage checks as a plain‑clothes partnership with the health department. Officers said decoys provided real identification listing their true date of birth and some bartenders or servers “didn’t do the math correctly” and completed sales. The police chief recommended sending a reminder to license holders about compliance checks, posting requirements, and the need to notify the clerk’s office of operational changes.
On the M and R bar incident, the chief described an intoxicated individual who fell after leaving the bar and suffered a traumatic brain injury; the department is investigating potential culpability or legal issues related to overservice. The chief said discussions with M and R management about overservice and operational practices may be warranted depending on investigative findings.
The report also noted recurring noise complaints at Aftershock (particularly when karaoke is offered), and that two demerit points had occurred at one establishment during the compliance cycle. Committee members and staff discussed coordinating a single seasonal communication—issued with upcoming July 1 renewal materials—from the clerk’s office and police department reminding license holders about renewal timelines, location-change notification, posting of on-duty bartender licenses, noise expectations, and forthcoming enforcement checks.
Committee members agreed staff should collaborate on that reminder. The clerk’s office said it will include talking points and the Department of Revenue Division of Alcoholic Beverages quarterly e-newsletter in future committee packets as an educational resource for license holders.
The committee placed the tavern report on file.
