Kenosha committee approves multiple business licenses, defers two operator applications

The Kenosha Licensing & Permits Committee on Feb. 10, 2025, approved a string of business license requests — including new operator, taxi, cabaret and retail liquor licenses — and deferred two operator applications for additional documentation and character letters.

The approvals will allow several businesses and individual operators to begin or continue licensed activity subject to conditions the committee spelled out at the meeting. Two applications were deferred so applicants could submit additional information to the clerk’s office prior to final consideration.

Committee members said the votes implement city policy intended to balance neighborhood impacts and public-safety concerns with opportunities for local businesses. Several approvals carried conditions recommended by the city attorney, including demerit-point assessments on new operator licenses.

The committee agreed to grant new operator licenses recommended by the city attorney subject to demerit points for three applicants listed on the agenda. The clerk read the attorney’s recommendations that Carolyn Matthew be granted with 50 demerit points, Shelly Rowe with 70 demerit points and Lavelle Russell with 50 demerit points; the committee voted to concur and approved the items by voice vote. Vice Chairperson Ruffalo moved to concur with the city attorney’s recommendations; the motion passed with ayes and the chair voting aye.

Two operator applicati…