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West Bend council extends Riverside Brewery alcohol license through May 31 to allow sale efforts
Summary
The council approved the licensing board’s recommendation to extend Riverside Brewery’s alcohol license through May 31, 2026, after city staff said the establishment had not operated since August and the owners are attempting to sell; if unsold, nonrenewal will be considered.
The City of West Bend on Feb. 2 approved a 90‑day extension of Riverside Brewery’s alcohol license, giving the owner until May 31, 2026, to attempt a sale while keeping the license active.
City staff attorney Ian presented a complaint saying Riverside Brewery “closed at the August. They have not operated since that date,” and cited city code language requiring a licensee to conduct at least 100 hours of activity in any continuous 90‑day period. He said the clerk’s office received an email from the owner (Mr. Kynes) indicating they would not contest revocation if the city chose that path.
Licensing‑board members recommended the extension to allow time for a sale. On the Common Council floor, Aaron Zingsheim moved to approve the board’s recommendation and Bill Schmidt seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. Council members said the extension preserves the value of the liquor license during a potential sale and noted that, if not sold by May 31, the license would be treated as surrendered or nonrenewed and could be reclaimed by the city.
The council and staff clarified procedure: the licensing board’s action is a recommendation to the council, and a future hearing would be required if facts were contested. City staff said any subsequent nonrenewal would be addressed during the normal renewal season.
The council did not set a contested hearing date and did not grant any additional exceptions beyond the May 31 extension.
