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Council refers Taylor Avenue liquor change‑of‑ownership after application lists five gaming machines
Summary
A proposed change of ownership for Taylor Avenue Food Mart prompted questions after the application included five 'gaming machines.' Council voted to refer the matter back to Public Safety & Licensing for further review and enforcement follow‑up.
The Common Council on Jan. 21 referred a change‑of‑ownership liquor application for Taylor Avenue Food Mart back to the Public Safety & Licensing Committee after members raised concerns that the application listed five gaming machines, which are illegal in Wisconsin outside narrowly permitted contexts.
Alder Perez noted the application included projected sales and a list of five gaming machines and said the combination of no inside seating and five gaming devices appeared inconsistent: “If you're going to have a gaming machine, you're going to have seats,” he said. City staff explained applicants sometimes report entertainment machines on license forms; municipal enforcement typically relies on police or the city attorney to follow up if illegal devices are discovered.
Council members pointed out that while some establishments operate similar machines, enforcement is complaint driven and the clerk’s office lacks investigatory authority. The council voted to send the application back to committee so P&S members can examine the application, seek clarification from the applicant and involve enforcement staff as needed.
Action taken: item 1105‑24 (change of ownership) was referred to Public Safety & Licensing for review and clarification; a related petition to exceed quota (1106‑24) remained on the table and had separate consideration in committee.
