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Council approves extended weekend hours for Cornerstone Bar & Grill with security and camera conditions
Summary
After public comment and staff review, the Fitchburg Common Council amended and approved Monkeyshine, Inc.'s (d/b/a Cornerstone Bar & Grill) liquor license: new hours (12:30 a.m. Sun—Thu; 1:00 a.m. Fri—Sat), required licensed security for a four-hour shift on Friday/Saturday, and 30-day video retention for parking-lot coverage.
The Fitchburg Common Council on June 23 voted to approve a Class B fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Monkeyshine, Inc., d/b/a Cornerstone Bar & Grill, with amended conditions limiting closing times and requiring security and video surveillance.
Background: the establishment (formerly Monkeyshines) had been operating under a set of conditions after prior incidents and a one-year license consideration. The applicant, owner Corey (Cory) T. McMahon, told the council the business rebranded and renovated and asked that the 11 p.m. closing condition be lifted to allow later hours for live entertainment and leagues.
Public comment and staff view: Regina Ryan, a former Dane County supervisor, spoke to the council during the public hearing to express concerns about management conduct and past incidents, urging continued safeguards and management accountability. Staff reviewed prior conditions and recommended approval with two retained/modified conditions: that the premises maintain video surveillance (including parking‑lot coverage) with recordings retained for at least 30 days, and that the council adopt defined closing hours. Police staff reported no recent major incidents at the establishment and did not oppose lifting earlier restrictions, but flagged the need for vigilance.
Council amendment and final terms: after extended discussion the council approved an amendment before the full license vote. The approved conditions, agreed with the applicant, are:
- Closing times: no later than 12:30 a.m. Sunday—Thursday; no later than 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday (i.e., Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning). - Security: the licensed premises shall provide at least one Wisconsin‑licensed uniform security personnel to monitor the interior and exterior (including the parking lot) for loitering, illegal activity and compliance with license conditions on Friday and Saturday nights for a minimum four‑hour shift (the operator may select the specific hours to match operations). - Video: premises must maintain video surveillance with adequate parking‑lot coverage and retain recordings for a minimum of 30 days.
Applicant response: Corey McMahon said the later weekend hours (1:00 a.m.) give the business flexibility for bands and fundraisers while noting the business typically hires security for entertainment; he said he would work to secure the licensed security arrangement and to provide contact information to the police department.
Outcome: the council approved the amendment and then approved the license under the amended conditions by voice vote. Staff noted the city retains processes (including revocation/nonrenewal) if future incidents occur.
What to watch: the council requested that police and staff monitor calls for service and compliance under the new conditions; council members indicated willingness to revisit license conditions should incidents recur.
