Waukesha committee recommends multiple liquor and bartender licenses, denies absent applicant

The Waukesha City Ordinance and Licensing Committee on April 27 recommended approval of multiple bartender and business liquor licenses and renewals and recommended denial of one absent applicant.

The committee, convened by the chair at 6:00 p.m., heard invited applicants and business representatives about past alcohol‑related compliance failures and steps taken to prevent recurrence. Paul Spirk, an applicant whose record showed felony convictions from about 2006, told the committee he has had no new offenses since serving a six‑year sentence and said, “I’ve had nothing since I paid my debt to society.” The committee asked Spirk to provide proof of a responsible server course before the clerk’s office issues a license and unanimously voted to recommend approval to the common council.

Committee members repeatedly emphasized training and supervision as the primary remedies for failed compliance checks. Andrew Iwanski, who identified himself as agent for Kwik Trip, described company discipline and training measures after a September 2025 failure, including monthly undercover ID checks and a policy to scan IDs for anyone appearing 30 or younger. Iwanski said first offenses carry a three‑day suspension, a second offense a five‑day suspension, and a third offense within one year results in termination.

Kayla Marie Sutton, whose most recent alcohol‑related incident the committee recorded as April 19, 2023, told the group she completed a yearlong adult‑and‑teen challenge recovery program and continues to meet with counselors. Sutton said, “I just celebrated my 3 years,” and asked the committee to consider her sobriety and training; the panel unanimously recommended approval and noted the application will be on the May 5 council consent agenda.

Businesses with recent compliance issues described remedial steps. Brooke Petty of BB’s on Main said the venue introduced ID scanners and retrained staff so scanners are used at all shifts. Tyson Beck, who identified himself as managing partner at Chili’s (Brinker Restaurant Corporation), said two failed compliance checks (December 2024 and September 2025) led managers to terminate at least one employee and to reinforce ID‑checking procedures.

The committee reviewed the city’s enforcement threshold for serving underage customers: two failed compliance checks within one year can justify refusing to renew, suspending or revoking a license. Where failures appeared to stem from training or supervision rather than policy gaps, members said they favor documented corrective action over immediate revocation.

The committee also approved renewals or recommended approval for Hannon’s Fine Food and Cocktails, Kwik Trip (cigarette and Class A beer and cider), Wax Candle Company and its new Waxed Vinyl Music Lounge, and a batch of routine renewals and ancillary permits; all approvals were unanimous and will appear on the May 5 common council consent agenda.

The committee recommended denial of one applicant, Anthony Zukauskas, because he failed to appear for his third invited hearing; members moved to deny and approved the recommendation unanimously.

The committee adjourned at 6:37 p.m.; the council will consider the committee’s recommendations at its next meeting on May 5.