ALRC orders audit of 7 Iron Social, renews license with 1:30 a.m. re‑entry limit

The Alcohol License Review Committee ordered the Madison finance department to conduct a financial audit of State Street Golf LLC (operating as 7 Iron Social) covering 2023 through the present to determine whether the business is operating as a restaurant under Madison General Ordinance standards.

Assistant City Attorney Amy Zillavy told the committee she separated the item because evidence suggested 7 Iron Social operates more like a tavern or bar with golf simulators and event rentals than a restaurant. "I don't believe they are a restaurant at this point given how they operate," Zillavy said, citing a past incident in which police found a large number of underage patrons at a rented event and observations that private-rental events sometimes ceded operational control to third parties.

Licensee Colin Smith, the registrant for State Street Golf, told the committee the venue operates as a hybrid: simulator rentals, event rentals and food service that he described as limited (bar-style menu items such as fries, cheese curds and jalapeño poppers). Smith said the venue is currently closed for the summer and that he has relied on private events and simulator revenue during the academic year. He said the business’s nonalcohol revenue share was roughly in the mid-40s percent range and that capital investment to expand kitchen or restroom capacity would be costly.

Alder Ruth Westra moved that the finance department conduct an audit for the period 2023 to present; the motion carried. The committee then voted to renew the license with a condition that no patrons be permitted to enter or reenter the premises after 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The committee advised the owner to consult with zoning staff about permitted uses in the downtown Alcohol Overlay District and to coordinate with police community teams on event protocols.

Committee actions

- Motion to order finance department to conduct a financial audit of State Street Golf LLC (7 Iron Social), covering 2023–present. Mover: Vice Chair Ruth Westra. Outcome: approved.

- Motion to renew the Class B combination alcohol license with condition that no patron may enter or reenter after 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Outcome: approved.

What happens next

The finance department will contact the licensee to request POS and other financial records for the audit. Zoning staff and the licensee should meet to clarify whether the current operations conform to zoning and licensing definitions; the ALRC may revisit conditions after the audit and zoning review.