Council tables Wildcat Lanes beer-garden application to May 18 after permit questions

The Wayne City Council voted unanimously to table an application from Wildcat Lanes to add a summer beer garden to its licensed premises, scheduling reconsideration for the May 18 council meeting.

Darren Jensen, representing Wildcat Lanes, told the council the plan calls for a 20-by-45-foot seasonal area on the south side of the building enclosed by a six-foot vinyl privacy fence that the operator intends to remove during the bowling season to restore parking. Jensen said the plan would include an exit gate that the fire marshal reviewed during an on-site walk-through and that the operator plans to serve food and follow the same drinking protocols used inside the bowling alley.

Council members and staff expressed concern about whether a seasonal, removable fence would meet the permanent-barrier requirement for the liquor license. Amy (staff) asked how the seasonal fence would affect the liquor license and whether the liquor commission would require reapproval every year; staff said the application did not specify and agreed to follow up with the liquor commission.

Given the outstanding permitting and barrier questions, a council member moved to table the application to the next council meeting on Monday, May 18. The motion to table was seconded and approved by roll call vote.

The council asked the applicants to meet with the liquor commission before the May 18 reconsideration so that the commission and council can clarify any conditions — for example, approving the beer garden only for a specified seasonal window if the commission requires a fixed barrier. The fire marshal's preliminary review did not block the plan, but council members emphasized that any final approval must satisfy the liquor-license standards.