Licenses committee approves Amani Place liquor license after hours of neighborhood debate

The Milwaukee Common Council Licenses Committee approved a class B tavern license for Amani Place, a neighborhood event space on North 30th Street, following a heavily attended and sometimes contentious hearing that stretched several hours.

Alderman Mark Chambers moved approval; the committee recorded a 4–0 vote with Alderman Alex Regalis abstaining. Supporters — residents, neighborhood business owners, and community leaders — told the committee the applicant had worked with neighbors and that the venue has been operating without incident while offering a small, community-focused events space. Opponents called for caution, citing parking, noise and historic concerns about taverns on the corridor.

Why it matters: The vote allows the business operator to sell alcohol at the venue — a significant change from the existing practice in which guests sometimes brought their own beverages for private events. Neighbors said the change raises concerns about traffic, late-night noise and enforcement; supporters argued regulated sales are safer and give the city and neighbors more tools to hold the operator accountable.

What the committee heard: Supporters described Amani Place as a small, carefully run events venue run by Brianna Redmond, who they said has met repeatedly with neighbors and the alderman to explain operating plans. Several speakers said the space is already being used as a community resource and that licensure would put formal oversight in place. Neighbors expressed worries that a city liquor license effectively makes it easier to operate as a tavern or nightclub in the future and said the neighborhood has limited on-street parking for events.

Zoning wrinkle: Several licensing and zoning staff told the committee the property’s use and required permits are still being finalized with the city’s permit center. Specifically, staff described an occupancy/zoning path that could require a Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) special-use approval if certain limited-use standards are not met. Committee members and staff agreed that BOZA review is separate from the license vote and could still affect whether the venue’s proposed assembly-type operations can be authorized on that site.

The committee’s decision and practical effect: The Licenses Committee approved the license application (4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention), but staff cautioned that permitting and any BOZA requirements remain outstanding. In short: the committee approved the liquor license application itself; zoning or occupancy matters could still limit or condition how the venue operates in practice.

What’s next: The applicant was advised to continue working with the permit center and the district alderman to resolve outstanding occupancy and BOZA issues. Neighbors were urged to continue dialog with the licensee and alderman’s office to document and address any problems that arise during actual operation.

Ending note: The hearing drew many neighbors on both sides and underscored how licensing decisions can hinge not only on an applicant’s plan but also on local zoning and the practicalities of street parking and late-night uses.