Committee approves temporary licensed-premises extensions for Ray's Bar events in May and July

The Wauwatosa Government Affairs Committee on Jan. 21 approved requests from Ray's Bar (8930 West North Avenue) for temporary extensions of licensed premises for two ticketed events: Rose WineFest on May 18, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and PatioPalooza on July 20, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

City staff explained these events do not require the special-event permit process but do require committee approval for temporary licensed-premises extensions. Staff said the police department was informed and had no objections, and recommended approval.

A representative identified in the record as "Miss Levitt" described Rose Fest as the applicant's fifth annual event and said PatioPalooza is new this year, with a ticketed, limited-attendance format focusing on white wine, sparkling wine and light red wine. "It's a ticketed event, with limited, attendance," the representative said.

Alder McClueff moved the item and a colleague seconded; the committee voted unanimously to approve both extensions.

Staff and the applicant noted the events will be held in the Raised parking lot; police review found no issues and no additional conditions were added in committee.