Council approves exception to geographic quota for Woodman's liquor license

The Racine Common Council voted 14-0 to allow Woodman's Food Mart to receive a Class A retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license despite the city's geographic and quota restrictions. The license was for a proposed Woodman's at 5900 Durant Avenue; the council considered the request after a public hearing and extended debate.

Supporters said the store has followed required steps and brings groceries and jobs to the neighborhood. "They have proven that they are committed to revitalizing the area," a sponsoring alder said during debate. Opponents and several public commenters argued the location is near parks, day cares and youth facilities and questioned fairness after an earlier denial of a different project; Oscar Salas said the council should "sit down and have a conversation and work out a contract with fairness" when discussing neighborhood impacts.

The council's city attorney explained the ordinance includes a built-in exception allowing the common council to exceed the quota or geographic restriction if two-thirds of members present vote to do so. Several alder members pressed for clarity about when exceptions have been applied in the past and emphasized the need for transparency. Alder Davis urged consistent public explanations of why exceptions are granted, saying inconsistent decisions erode trust. The council approved the exception and related licensing items; the motion to exceed the geographic/quota restriction passed 14 ayes, 0 nos.