City officials brainstormed ideas on how to bring more 18+ entertainment options to the campus area and amended a city ordinance to better assist those in the community suffering from alcoholism at a meeting Wednesday.
University of Wisconsin-Madison junior Rachel Lepak, who serves as the student representative on the Alcohol License Review Committee, enlisted the help of committee members to find new ways of increasing 18+ entertainment options for students.
“I hope State Street and the downtown area becomes the center of entertainment,” Lepak said.
She suggested increasing live music and adding alternative recreational venues downtown, such as a bowling alley or movie theatre.
“I do hope to see ... just a wide variety of options,” Lepak said. “For not only students, but for people outside Madison, outside the downtown area too.”
Food and Alcohol Policy Coordinator Mark Woulf said a possible first step could be to assemble a task force with student and city representatives to more aggressively address the lack of entertainment options for people under the age of 21.
The committee also approved a two-year extension to a city ordinance that prohibits alcohol retailers from selling intoxicants to people specified by the city as being “habitually intoxicated.” Woulf said the program has shown positive results so far, but more time will allow the city to compile more thorough data.
The committee also approved an amendment requiring police officers notify every individual on the “habitually intoxicated” list of their legal right to appeal their case if they feel they do not deserve to be on the list. Additionally, they changed the list review period from every three months to every six months.
“I think if you’re struggling with alcoholism, especially some of the stories that I have heard from this population, if you’re clean and sober for six months, I think that’s a good accomplishment and you certainly deserve to come off of this list,” Woulf said.
The committee also approved liquor licenses for a high-end pizza shop at 1374 Williamson St., called Grampa’s Pizza, and an upscale burger joint, called The Spot, which will take the place of former Mildred’s Sandwich Shop at 827 E. Johnson St.
