Council approves 2026–27 alcohol license renewals and grants reserve license to 1st Watch

The Oconomowoc City Council voted unanimously to renew existing alcohol beverage licenses for the 2026–27 licensing year and to grant a separate reserve Class B intoxicating liquor license to 1st Watch Restaurant Inc.

Gina, the council clerk, told the council the Protection and Welfare Committee reviewed the renewal applications and found that applicants "meet all statutory and City Code, codes of Chapter 12, and they've passed all their inspections," and recommended approval. A committee member said the review produced "good conversation" and "no concerns of significance."

Council members then moved the renewal resolution and approved it by roll-call vote. Later in the meeting the council considered resolution 26 R 3377 to grant a $10,000 reserve Class B license to 1st Watch Restaurant Inc. Committee members described 1st Watch's hours, community give-back activities and the restaurant's successful fundraising to secure the reserve slot. Councilors asked whether the license was tied to a specific property or area; a committee member clarified the license is one of nine remaining reserve licenses and is not tied to another site.

The council moved and approved the 1st Watch resolution by roll-call vote. The clerk read the roll during both votes; the named aldermen listed in roll call were recorded as voting in favor. No aldermen voiced objections during discussion.

The decisions close the council’s business on liquor licensing for the immediate renewal cycle; the clerk noted there may be additional license items later in the month that the committee will bring forward.