Waukesha committee recommends bartender license for Joseph A. Porter despite prior OWI; 4–1 vote

The Waukesha Ordinance and Licensing Committee voted 4–1 on March 24 to recommend a bartender/operator license for Joseph A. Porter, despite committee review of his alcohol-related convictions.

Porter told the committee he previously held bartender licenses in other municipalities and described an OWI arrest in September 2023. He said he sought treatment at a local facility and is currently living in sober housing above the Salvation Army on 3rd Street. ‘‘I'm currently still I'm actually at the apartments that are above the Salvation Army,’’ Porter said, adding he had completed programming at the treatment facility and that he has an Intoxalock installed on his car.

Committee members pressed for clarity on the record. A member noted the file listed two offense dates (August 2024 and September 2023); Porter said the disorderly conduct charge was not attached to the September 2023 OWI and explained the August 2024 matter resulted in a guilty plea. The committee also clarified Porter does not currently hold a Waukesha bartender/operator license and should be treated as a first-time applicant for municipal purposes.

Several members expressed support for Porter’s recovery and experience. One committee member said, ‘‘Because of that, I think that you're on the right path and that I don't want to stop you from being able to operate at House of Guinness,’’ and moved to approve the application. The motion was seconded and the committee recommended approval to the full council by a 4–1 vote.

The chair advised Porter the committee’s recommendation goes to the City Council, which will consider the application on April 3; the chair suggested Porter arrange for a representative from his employer, House of Guinness, to attend or to submit a letter of support for the council meeting. If the council approves the recommendation under consent, the license would be issued and made available by the clerk.