Committee denies license transfer for Black Bar Bites amid complaints about the current operation

The West Allis Economic Development Committee denied a lisonbee-style transfer (treated as a new license application) of a Class B tavern and public entertainment license for Black Bar Bites, Wisconsin Corporation (d/b/a Black Bar and Bites), for operation at 9105 W. Lincoln Ave.

Committee members moved to deny the transfer, citing alleged complaints at the existing location. One member summarized alleged reports including missing camera footage when requested, "a large amount of noise complaints," fights, after-hours operations and instances of hookah or cigars being used or advertised in the bar despite restrictions. A committee member who moved to deny recorded specific numbers on the record: "alleged 13 noise complaints, 2 after hours complaints, 3 to 4 of overserving, and 7 fights." The motion to deny was seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair declared "The ayes have it."

Applicant Jennifer Pierce addressed the committee at length, saying she had cooperated with police and provided camera footage in some instances and that she had invested in the business since leasing the prior premises. "I have record of me sending them camera footage," Pierce said, and she described steps she said she had taken to reduce noise and other issues. Pierce also said the proposed new location would address many of the concerns (separated speaker and parking lot), and she appealed to the committee to allow the transfer.

Committee members acknowledged Pierce's statements but said the ongoing volume of alleged complaints made approving a transfer to a much larger 399-person capacity space a difficult consideration. The committee treated the request as a new application and considered prior reports accordingly. The denial means the license transfer will not proceed under the committee action; the transcript did not record any formal disciplinary action on the existing license during this session.