Wauwatosa committee unanimously approves fireworks permit, Oktoberfest extensions and several liquor-license updates

The Wauwatosa Government Affairs Committee on Sept. 17 unanimously approved eight routine permits and license changes, including a fireworks display for Wisconsin Lutheran College, temporary expansions of alcohol service for several Oktoberfest and sporting-event gatherings, and updates to local liquor licenses.

City staff member Steve told the committee the fireworks proposal from Hollywood Pyrotechnics would include only color shells and “no salutes,” and said police and fire reviewed the plan and reported no issues. Applicant Benny Netzley of Hollywood Pyrotechnics described pre-game effects for the national anthem, intermittent effects during the game and a post-game display: “I anticipate maybe half a dozen at most, randomly throughout the evening, and then the display itself is post game,” he said. The committee approved the permit for the college’s Sept. 21 homecoming event.

The committee also considered a new state-mandated process under Wisconsin Act 73 for producer retail sales at special events. Joe Yeado of Gathering Place Brewing sought approval to serve beer at Folktoberfest on Sept. 28 at the Latvian Church on North 75th Street; staff and police had no objections and the committee approved the application.

Requests to temporarily extend licensed premises for Oktoberfest events and a Packers viewing party also passed. Ray’s Growler Gallery’s Oct. 6 Oktoberfest, Walters on North’s Oct. 12 Oktoberfest and Camp Bar’s Oct. 13 Packers viewing party were approved after staff confirmed departmental reviews. Camp Bar’s applicant, Paula Hackbarth, acknowledged the possibility of a flexed game time and the committee amended the approved end time to 8 p.m. to allow cleanup if the event runs later; the amendment and final permit passed unanimously.

The committee approved a successor agent for Chang’s China Bistro (Prince Kumba) after a background check identified no concerns, and it approved a sale-related application and new Class B beer and liquor license for Mex Avenue, Tulsa LLC. Fortune Wisconsin LLC’s Empire Fish received a new Class A beer license to add beer sales to an existing liquor license. In each case staff reported departmental clearance and background checks with no outstanding issues.

All motions passed on unanimous voice votes. The committee chair noted several items will appear for formal adoption on the full council agenda. The meeting adjourned after the eighth item.