Council changes course on El Jalapeno license: 90-day renewal with 90-day suspension approved

The Milwaukee Common Council on Dec. 16 heard testimony about a licensing matter involving El Jalapeno restaurant (2106 W. National Ave) and then voted to amend the Licenses Committee’s recommendation, replacing a proposed nonrenewal with a 90-day license renewal accompanied by a 90-day suspension.

Attorney Mike Maiselman, representing El Jalapeno Restaurant LLC, told the council his client had amended its plan of operation in the licensing division, agreed to revised hours and to participate in neighborhood safety meetings and community-engagement efforts to address after-hours concerns. Maiselman told the council his client is cooperating with neighbors and city officials and said, “We’re at your mercy,” as he asked the council to consider the compromise.

Assistant City Attorney Travis Gresham told members the council had before it the findings of fact and conclusions of law and made himself available to answer questions about the committee’s record.

Alderson Jocasta Samariba moved to replace the committee’s nonrenewal recommendation with a 90-day renewal and a 90-day suspension; the motion was repeated by the chair and called for a roll call. The clerk recorded the vote and the council adopted the amended recommendation by roll call, announced as "14 ayes, 1 excused." The action references common council file number 251331.

No further disciplinary terms or follow-up reporting requirements were specified on the council floor after the vote. Members noted that both sides were limited to five minutes during the hearing and that the amended plan of operation had already been filed with licensing staff.

The licensing committee’s remainder of reports was adopted the same day.