Janesville licensing panel approves outdoor extensions and forwards new steakhouse permit to council

The Janesville Alcohol Licensing Advisory Committee on Feb. 4 approved several liquor-license actions and scheduled a new license for City Council consideration.

The committee unanimously approved a temporary extension of premises for O’Reilly & Conway’s Irish Pub to erect a tent for two St. Patrick’s–related events, including the Shamrock Shuffle with the Boys and Girls Club and additional service on St. Patrick’s Day. The applicant told the committee, “we're gonna put a tent in the parking lot, like we have for the last 10 years,” and staff confirmed the fee for two events (reported in the record as two payments of $175) had been paid. The vote was recorded as 6-0.

The panel reviewed a request to expand Franklin Street Tavern’s license to include an outdoor sidewalk cafe at 13 N. Franklin St. Staff said the Department of Revenue had advised that extended premises be consistent citywide and described preferred table placement relative to the sidewalk; Vicki Miller of the Building Division told the committee, “He just needs to maintain that 5 foot wide path for people to get into the building and to pass by.” Planning staff had already approved the sidewalk-cafe layout as presented, and committee members moved to allow alcohol service in the area approved by planning. That motion carried, reported 6-0.

The committee also considered an original Class B intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverage application for Milton Food Services LLC / Blooming Ocean Inc., doing business as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse at 2701 Milton Ave. Applicant Xin Li said the business will reopen a remodeled steakhouse with a bar area and buffet-style service; asked whether the bar will have seating, Xin Li said there would be a “regular bar” with a few chairs. After opening and closing the public hearing with no public speakers, the committee voted to forward the application to the City Council for final action. The committee recorded the vote as 6-0; the item is scheduled before City Council on Monday, Feb. 10, at 6:00 p.m. in this room.

Committee chair and members did not record additional conditions beyond the usual requirement that bartenders be licensed and that planning-approved cafe layouts preserve pedestrian access. Several committee members stressed the committee’s role is to review alcohol service in spaces that planning has already approved; as staff explained, planning reviews whether the space exists and meets clearance and curb-cut requirements before the committee reviews alcohol allowances.

The committee also approved the Jan. 7 minutes and handled routine administrative business before adjourning.