Kenosha committee recommends new licenses, denies several operator applications in Nov. 10 meeting

The Kenosha License & Permit Committee on Nov. 10 considered a slate of operator, cabaret, temporary and renewal license applications, recommending several to the full City Council and denying others.

Chairperson Kennedy opened the meeting and the committee approved minutes from the Oct. 30 special meeting. The panel then took up individual agenda items. For Item 1, the committee concurred with the city attorney’s recommendation to grant an operator’s license to Yasmine Cruz Lara; the applicant did not speak. Item 2, an application by Blanca Ybarra, was recommended for denial by the city attorney on the basis of a material police record and an allegedly false application; the committee followed the city attorney’s recommendation.

Item 3, the application of Tina Weiland, generated the most extended procedural debate. Weiland, who had contacted the clerk and was not present, requested another deferral; several members said she had previously missed hearings. A motion to defer failed on a recorded vote and a subsequent motion to deny the application passed by voice (reported 3–2).

The committee approved a yearly cabaret license for Empisino’s Pizzeria South (owner Jerry Cusino), who told the panel the venue would host limited music for small celebrations rather than regular nightclub-style entertainment. The panel also considered a probationary temporary license for Ash Sports Bar LLC; manager Parish Patel described live entertainment on Fridays and DJs after 9 p.m., and members raised concerns about security apparel and limited on-site parking versus the venue’s capacity.

A contested decision came on Item 6: Momo Fresh Market LLC sought a Class A beer and liquor license limited to packaged containers. Applicant Mustafa Mustafa said, “This is not a liquor store. This is a small neighborhood supermarket,” and asked the committee to approve sales of packaged beer and wine. Several committee members opposed, citing overconcentration of packaged liquor near a children’s library and past neighborhood issues. Members asked whether voluntary conditions (for example, a signed agreement not to sell single small bottles) could be enforced; staff said such promises are difficult to police and that enforceability would need further legal review. The committee recommended the license to City Council by a 3–2 vote; Council will review the recommendation at its Nov. 17 meeting.

The committee approved multiple renewal applications for kennels, pet shops, secondhand article dealers and contractor licenses without contest. It also separated and reviewed several massage-establishment renewals; owner Evelyn appeared with a translator to confirm residency and staffing and the committee approved the items.

Next steps: items recommended to council (including the Momo Fresh Market Class A license) will be on the Nov. 17 City Council agenda for final action. Several denials and approvals were recorded by committee motion and voice vote during the Nov. 10 meeting.