Owner of BOM music bar urges council to preserve venue as license faces nonrenewal

Hans Graf, who identified himself as the owner of BOM Tavern (BOM music bar), used the public forum to describe the venue’s role in Sheboygan’s music scene and to ask the council to consider that context as licensing matters proceed. "We are a music bar. We are focused primarily on metal punk alternative emo styles of music," Graf said. "We provide a space for them."

Graf told the council his operation emphasizes original music by regional and local bands and said he is cooperating with the Law and Licensing department following that department’s recommendation not to renew his Class B liquor license. He said he appreciates the department’s work but wanted the council to understand the venue’s cultural role and confirmed efforts to remain compliant while pursuing opportunities for local artists.

Later in the agenda the council addressed a related resolution instructing city counsel to draft summons and complaints for revocation proceedings in another license matter and adopted an amendment to correct a license-reference number in a separate resolution before approving it as amended. City Attorney clarified that the resolutions directing drafting of paperwork are administrative steps and do not, by themselves, constitute the due-process hearing; revocation would be decided at a later hearing where the operator may present evidence.

Graf concluded his remarks by thanking the council for the opportunity to speak.

The council voted on related licensing items later in the meeting, adopting resolutions that will move some matters toward formal proceedings; the specific timing for any hearing was described as dependent on completion of the required paperwork by city counsel.