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ALRC orders Taco Bell Cantina to preserve video on police request and work with MPD on safety plan
Summary
After police described repeated disturbances at Taco Bell Cantina on State Street, the ALRC approved the license renewal and added conditions requiring the establishment to preserve video evidence when requested by Madison Police and to work with MPD on a proactive plan to reduce late‑night disturbances.
The Alcohol License Review Committee approved renewal of the Taco Bell Cantina license May 22 and added two conditions aimed at reducing late‑night fights and ensuring law‑enforcement access to evidence. MPD officers told the committee that Taco Bell has been a recurring site for calls for service downtown and that police have had trouble obtaining timely video for investigations.
Officer Nate Blander, part of Madison’s community‑policing team, said Taco Bell draws overserved patrons after bar close and that problems frequently require police response. "It's more reactivity from us and from them than proactivity," he said, urging the business to be more forceful about trespass enforcement and to reduce loitering.
Licensee representatives said Taco Bell cooperates with police, that the location operates primarily as a food service that is open late, and that they provide video when available. The committee debated whether the city could require immediate surrender of footage without a subpoena and reviewed city ordinance language on surveillance systems. Assistant City Attorney Zilvie recommended a narrowly worded condition to preserve requested footage pending police need.
The committee adopted a condition requiring the establishment to retain any video evidence upon being informed by Madison Police Department, and to preserve footage until MPD indicates it is no longer needed. The committee also directed Taco Bell to work with MPD on a proactive plan to reduce disturbances and requested a follow‑up with the licensee.
What’s next: The renewal will go to council and inspectors will monitor compliance with the new conditions. MPD and the licensee agreed they will coordinate to ensure requests for video are handled promptly and preserved to avoid loss before subpoenas can be issued.
Sources: Testimony from MPD officers and Taco Bell representatives at the May 22 ALRC meeting.
