Quaker Steak & Lube, which will replace the Pizzeria Uno's just off State Street, was granted a liquor license during an Alcohol License Review Committee meeting Wednesday.
Scott Acker, owner of the new Quaker Steak & Lube and Middleton establishment, said late-night entertainment options including karaoke night and dueling pianos would be offered to patrons. Minors would be served during day-time restaurant hours.
""I'd love to have the 18-year-olds, but I can't promise they won't enter the building,"" Acker said. ""No operator can guarantee that so that's why I went with 21.""
In addition, board members granted approval to Target to increase their alcohol offerings at both their east side and west side locations. Floor space dedicated to liquor sales will expand with the enlarging of their grocery section.
The committee prohibited Johnny O's Restaurant & Bar from expanding business to cater to underage patrons for special events. Johnny O's had proposed adding 18- to 21-year-olds to their license for entertainment events aimed at student groups and fund raising.
Officers of the Madison Police Department said they were concerned about Johnny O's ability to regulate the underage crowd after hours due to underage drinking and safety concerns.
MPD officers said Johnny O's has not been open long enough since serving its penalty this summer to determine whether or not they have been regulating underage drinking.
ALRC members said Johnny O's could resubmit their proposal after at least four months.
Ald. Bryon Eagon, District 8, urged the board to consider the proposal in the future.
""It is a good thing for the campus and the city,"" Eagon said. ""It gives the underage demographic a way to socialize with the older group.""
