Alcohol Licensing Committee approves dozens of routine items, refers several high‑risk applications for police follow-up

The Alcohol License Review Committee met in hybrid session on June 17, 2026, and waded through a large agenda of license changes, municipal approvals and new-license requests. Chair called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.; the committee unanimously approved a broad consent agenda of temporary Class B retail licenses, change-of-agent items, business-name updates and reorganizations.

Among the items the committee approved was an operator (bartender) license for Michael Strasing, who appeared to discuss prior Police Department flags. Lieutenant Hannah told the panel that Strasing’s record included a 2023 OWI refusal and an obstructing‑an‑officer charge; Strasing said a stalking charge had been dismissed and provided documentation he called proof of rehabilitation. After questions from aldermembers about supervision and completion of court‑ordered steps, the committee moved and approved the operator license.

The committee also granted a series of change‑of‑agent and change‑of‑premises requests. Samantha Schulte received approval as a new agent for Astia Papavero (128 E. Wilson) after presenting a driver‑safety plan. Ben (Benjamin) Shirley’s change of agent for Liquid (624 University Ave.) was approved after the applicant described driver‑safety training and explained long court delays dating to 2017. Red’s requested correction to its capacity (to reflect the combined indoor/outdoor total) was approved after staff confirmed zoning and fire sign‑offs.

Municipal approvals tied to the Madison Public Market and one neighborhood festival drew particular attention. Timber Hill Winery (space 470 at the Public Market) received the municipal recommendation that operations not begin until all city approvals are final; Amanda Stifel told the committee the buildout was near completion and that the business plans to serve wine and a few craft cocktails. Giant Jones Brewing won permission to serve beer and wine on the 200 block of South Brierley Street during a July festival under the same restrictions the committee had used the previous year (clearly marked boundaries, signage and no intoxicating liquor beyond the approved area).

Not every request was approved. The committee referred several items for additional work or follow‑up with other city offices. Locomotive’s request to expand to an adjacent train car and to convert to a year‑round entertainment license was referred after MPD raised “red flags” including an underage‑drinking incident and zoning questions; staff said police and planning staff would meet with the applicant before the next ALRC meeting. Multiple items for Madison’s (a restaurant/ice‑cream operator seeking a name, premises and agent change at King Street addresses) were also referred so the owner or an authorized agent could appear and provide the required paperwork.

Other new licenses and transfers were approved after applicants confirmed outreach to their alder and the district captain. The committee approved new licenses for Ruukkudja Asian Bistro (7 W. Main), a move for XGolf Madison West, a downtown Nepali/Tibetan restaurant at 318 State Street (reconsidered and approved after the registrant joined the call), a neighborhood grocery (Maurer’s Urban Market at Park & Cedar), and a small health‑bar concept on the Square (Juicy Organics) with clarified hours and alcohol percentages. Barley Pop was allowed to downgrade to a beer‑only Class B license per the owner’s request.

Committee business concluded with unanimous nominations and confirmations of Moira Harrington as committee chair and Tianna Clemens as vice chair. MPD reported a serious late‑night incident downtown and otherwise characterized recent downtown enforcement as steady; Lieutenant Hannah encouraged continued operator training for licensees and direct meetings between police and applicants when public‑safety concerns arise. The clerk’s office said staff will follow up on outstanding renewals before July 1.

Next steps: referrals (notably Locomotive and several items connected to Madison’s and Cambria Hotel) will return after applicants meet with police, provide missing documentation or secure property control/owner authorization. The committee recessed and adjourned after wrapping up the docket.