CP066A (Alcohol License Advisory Committee)CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 1 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
PURPOSE
To clarify and record the composition and responsibilities of the
Alcohol License Advisory Committee (ALAC)and the Council’s policy
regarding review, approval, granting, issuance, non-issuance, and
holding of alcohol beverage licenses and procedures for suspension,
revocation and non-renewal of alcohol licenses.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
1. In order to provide for an effective system of alcohol beverage
licensing that protects the public safety and is applied in a
uniform and equitable manner, the City Council has adopted the
following written policy to govern alcohol beverage licensing
in Janesville and, without limitation, the granting,
suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of licenses.
2. This policy is intended as a supplement to assist the City
Council and the Alcohol License Advisory Committee in the City
Council’s statutory authority to issue and administer the
alcohol beverage licensing process consistent with city
ordinances, state statutes, and the Wisconsin Constitution.
This policy in no manner abrogates, waives, or voids any of the
rights, privileges, or authority vested by law in the Common
Council or the Alcohol License Advisory Committee.
I. Alcohol License Advisory Committee
A. The committee shall consist of seven persons. The
membership and appointment of the committee shall be as
follows:
1. Four members shall be residents of the City of
Janesville, shall have no particular relationship to
the alcohol industry, and shall represent the public
at large. These members shall be appointed by the
Council President subject to confirmation by the
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 2 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
Common Council following consultation from the
Advisory Committee on Appointments. The members
shall be appointed to three-year terms.
2. One member shall be a resident of the City of
Janesville who has substantial and ongoing
involvement with the alcohol industry in the City
of Janesville. This member shall be appointed by
the Council President, subject to confirmation of
the Common Council following consultation from the
Advisory Committee on Appointments, and may be
removed at any time and without cause by the
Council President at their sole discretion, and
without the prior or other review or action by the
Common Council or the ALAC. This member shall be
appointed for a term of three years.
3. Two members shall be Councilmembers appointed
annually by the Common Council President.
4. The Police Chief, or their designee, shall attend
all meetings of the Alcohol License Advisory
Committee to provide information and guidance to
the Committee. This individual is a non-voting
attendee.
B. The purpose of the Alcohol License Advisory Committee is
to assist the Common Council in an advisory capacity in
the matters relating to applications for alcohol and
related licenses and also to provide a research source
for the purpose of investigation of difficulties that may
arise in this area and recommendations for their
resolution.
C. The main function of the ALAC will be to review,
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 3 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
evaluate, and make recommendations to the Common Council
through the City Manager.
D. The committee may establish, from time to time,
procedures deemed necessary by the committee to carry out
its responsibilities.
E. It is recognized the Common Council has and will maintain
final jurisdiction over all matters related to and
considered by the committee including, but not limited
to, license issuance, non-issuance, suspension,
revocations, and policy and ordinance amendments.
II. Granting and Issuance of Class A and Class B Fermented Malt
Beverage and Intoxicating Liquor Licenses
A. The Common Council is not obligated to, and need not,
grant an alcohol beverage license simply because there is
one or more available for issuance under the quota
system. In their review of applications for Class A,
Class B, Class B beer only, and Class C wine only
licenses, the committee and the Common Council shall:
1. Determine whether the proposed business
establishment is located in an area in which
alcohol beverage activities, operation, and
appearance would be compatible with the surrounding
uses and neighborhood.
2. Consider the health, welfare, peace, safety,
tranquility, and good order of the City,
neighborhood, and location.
3. In making the above determinations, the committee
and the Common Council shall consider location of
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 4 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
the *premises, description of premises, type of
business, financing of the business, qualifications
of the applicant, and qualifications of corporate
officers and alcohol license agent.
4. For new alcohol license applications and all
amendments thereof, the sole proprietor, member,
partner, or officer listed on the application or
representative who can legally bind the entity must
attend both the Alcohol Licensing Advisory
Committee meeting and the Common Council meeting in
person or telephonically.
B. Class A Licenses Exempted From the Separation Requirement
1. It is the intention of the Common Council to
encourage diversification of business development
in, and to promote the orderly growth of, the City
of Janesville, consistent with the health, welfare,
peace, safety, and good order of the City and its
residents, guests, and businesses. Therefore, the
City Council may grant Class A fermented malt
beverage and/or intoxicating liquor licenses exempt
from the separation requirement otherwise mandated
by JGO 6-13(a)but only for grocery stores and
supermarkets whose business is other than the sale
of petroleum products or pharmaceutical products,
provided the total floor area for display and sales
of all Class A products therein does not exceed
eighty square feet (80 sq. ft.) and only if one of
the following criteria will be fully satisfied:
(a) Issuance of this license would promote
redevelopment of an underutilized commercial
property or the establishment of a new
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 5 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
business within the community; or
(b) Issuance of this license would expand the
trade impact of an existing business not
already lawfully selling and dispensing
alcohol beverages.
2. It is the Council’s intent to define
pharmaceuticals as any medication requiring a
prescription from a duly licensed medical
professional in the State of Wisconsin.
3. It is the Council’s intent to define petroleum-
based products as the sale of gasoline, diesel
fuel, or similar type products used in internal
combustion engines.
C. Applying for a License
1. Applications for a license shall be on forms issued
and approved by the City of Janesville.
2. Accurately, honestly, and fully-completed signed
applications, together with all required supportive
information and documentation, must be returned to
and filed with the City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office no
later than 4:30 p.m. on the 15th of the month
immediately preceding the meeting of the Alcohol
License Advisory Committee for consideration at the
next committee meeting. Failing to meet this
deadline will postpone consideration of such
application to the next regularly scheduled
committee meeting.
3. The Alcohol License Advisory Committee may review
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 6 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
but shall not act on any application which is
submitted without all required supportive
information and documentation.
D. The following information must be filed with every
application for an alcohol license:
1. A detailed floor plan of the premises including any
and all indoor and outdoor areas, including but not
limited to the location of the bars and counters
from which alcoholic beverages are proposed to be
dispensed or sold, and their relation to any other
activities, the location of any and all areas in
which food is to be prepared or served and the
location of any and all areas in which
entertainment including amusement devices are
proposed, and a business plan that conforms to the
standards set by the Administration.
E. The requirements and standards established herein are in
addition to those set forth in Wisconsin Statutes, City
of Janesville Ordinances, and other Council Policy
Statements.
F. No Class A, Class B, or Class C alcohol beverages license
granted by the Common Council may be issued by the City
Clerk-Treasurer until such time as all City code
requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the
Building Inspector, Fire Marshall, and the Rock County
Health Department.
G. The provisions of Section II shall apply to applications
for a change in the location of the business,
applications connected with the purchase or lease of an
existing business, and applications for a new business.
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 7 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
H. The provisions of Section II shall not apply to Temporary
Special Event licenses issued pursuant to JGO Section 6-
62.
III. Transfer of License
A. From Place to Place: The Alcohol License Advisory
Committee will not recommend and the Common Council will
not approve the transfer of a Class A, Class B, or Class
C alcohol beverage license to a different location within
a period of two years from the time of the original
issuance of the license unless the license holder
satisfies the committee and the Common Council that the
request for transfer was necessitated by unusual and
unforeseen circumstances. The license holder must
satisfy the committee and the Common Council that such
request for transfer to a new location is not made solely
to gain an economic advantage. It is the intention of
the Common Council that licenses once issued should not
be indiscriminately transferred solely for economic
advantage.
B. From Person to Person: The Alcohol License Advisory
Committee and the Common Council may approve the transfer
of a Class A, Class B, and Class C alcohol beverage
license from person to person if the licensee dies,
becomes disabled, becomes bankrupt, or makes an
assignment for the benefit of creditors during the
licensing year. If one of these events occurs, the
personal representative, the spouse, the trustee or the
receiver, as applicable and in accord with state law, may
continue, sell, or assign the business. The license may
then be transferred to the successor owner or assignee at
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 8 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
no charge for the remainder of the license year if such
person complies with and satisfies all of the
requirements applicable to original applicants but only
if such license transfer is approved by the Common
Council.
IV. Refunds of License Application Fees
A. It is the Common Council’s policy not to refund any
alcohol or operator license application fees regardless
of the reason(s) or extenuating circumstances underlying
the requests.
B. The only exception to Paragraph A will be that situation
in which for Class A, Class B, or Class C license
applications:
1. The license applicant receives a favorable
recommendation from the Alcohol License Advisory
Committee, and
2. The license applicant has their license application
denied by the Common Council.
C. It is the Common Council’s policy that at no time, for
any reason, will the Council or the City ever refund any
fees necessary for the notice publication in the local
media.
V. Temporary Class B Special Event License
A. A temporary Class B Special Event license may be issued
to any qualified non-profit organization. The following
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 9 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
criteria define a qualified non-profit organization:
1. Bona fide clubs that have been in existence for at
least six months prior to the date of application.
2. State, county, or local fair associations or
agricultural societies.
3. Church, lodge, or society that has been in
existence for at least six months prior to the date
of application.
4. Posts now or hereafter established of ex-
serviceperson’s organizations.
B. First time applicants for a Temporary Class B Special
Event License must appear before the Alcohol License
Advisory Committee and the City Council. Subsequent
applications can be approved administratively unless
there is a significant change to the location or event.
C. An event may be held on City property provided the
following conditions are met:
A. The applicant organization shall provide a benefit
to the City of Janesville or its citizens.
B. The proceeds from the sale of the alcoholic
beverages shall be used for a public purpose or to
benefit the City of Janesville or its citizens.
The applicant shall provide a written statement
with the application explaining how the proceeds
will be used.
C. The applicant shall comply with all regulations and
policies of the City of Janesville Parks Division
and shall pay any deposit required for use of
public facilities.
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 10 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
VI. Approval and Issuance of Original Operators (Bartenders)
Licenses
A. Applying for a License
1. Application for operator’s licenses shall be on
forms issued and approved by the State of Wisconsin
Department of Revenue.
2. Completed and signed applications must be returned
to and filed with the City Clerk-Treasurer’s
Office.
3. Any and all required fees must be paid in full at
the time the application is returned and filed with
the City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office.
B. The Police Department will conduct a records check of all
applicants.
C. The Police Chief, or their designee, shall consider the
following factors when making a recommendation to approve
or deny an operator’s license.
1. A history of alcohol related convictions as long as
the most current conviction or arrest is within the
last twenty-four months.
2. Any drug related arrests or convictions or pending
charges within the last twelve months.
3. Any conviction or pending charges which involve
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 11 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
resisting arrest, battery to a police officer, or
obstructing justice.
4. At least two convictions or pending charges in the
last twenty-four months for disorderly behavior
type offenses if they occurred in conjunction with
activity at a licensed alcohol establishment.
5. Any felony conviction unless duly pardoned.
6. Any misleading or falsified application when the
misleading or falsified information provided by the
applicant pertains to either the identification of
the applicant or to any matter occurring within
five years prior to the date of application.
7. When hearing an appeal of an operator’s license
denial, the ALAC will consider the following:
a. Did the incident which led to the license
denial occur in a licensed facility.
b. Were alcohol or drugs a factor in the
incident which led to the license denial.
c. The history of the applicant as a
licensed operator when applicable.
d. It is recognized the committee has and
will maintain jurisdiction over license
appeals and will use the above factors as
guidelines and may also consider other
factors as the committee deems relevant,
necessary, and appropriate.
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 12 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
VII. License Administration
A. General Policy
1. The Common Council expects all alcohol license
holders to maintain their establishments in an
orderly manner and in compliance with state
statutes and city ordinances, and further, that
each bartender is also responsible for ensuring
that their actions are in compliance with state
statutes and city ordinances.
a. For the purpose of Section B., the
conviction of an operator (bartender) or
other employee of a Class A or B license
holder while that operator or employee is
on duty or otherwise acting on behalf of
the licensee at the time of the incident
shall constitute and be construed as
constituting a conviction against the
Class A or B license holder.
b. For each incident in which arrests of the
licensee, agent, owner(s), operator(s),
employee(s), related other(s), or any
combination thereof, pertain to the same
incident, such multiple arrests and/or
convictions pertaining thereto shall, for
purposes of this policy, be construed as
constituting one conviction.
2. This policy in no manner limits, restricts, or
prevents the Alcohol License Advisory Committee
from making a recommendation for revocation,
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 13 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
suspension, or non-renewal of any license holder
for any health, welfare, safety, peace,
tranquility, or related community best interest
reason(s) other than those set forth elsewhere in
this policy even when no convictions or arrests
pertaining thereto have transpired. Such
recommendation(s) may also be made upon any first
or second incident when the Alcohol License
Advisory Committee determines that particular facts
and/or circumstances warrant such recommendation.
B. Maintenance of Orderly Establishment and Consistent with
Health, Welfare, Safety, Peace, Good Order, and
Tranquility of Community
1. Whenever an alcohol licensed establishment becomes
a nuisance, disorderly, riotous, indecent, or
otherwise operated and/or maintained in any manner
contrary to the health, welfare, safety, peace,
good order, or tranquility of the community,
including, but not limited to, as evidenced by
repeated incidents, arrests, and/or convictions of
any persons thereupon for disorderly or disturbing
behavior, fights, assaults, damage to property,
and/or other form(s) of anti-social behavior or
ordinance violations of any kind, the Chief of
Police shall, in writing, inform the owner or agent
of such activity(ies) and/or condition(s). If
there is no substantial improvement in the
operation, management, and/or activity(ies)
pertaining to and/or occurring upon the licensed
premises within thirty (30) days, the Chief of
Police shall bring the matter to the attention of
the Alcohol License Advisory Committee. After
reviewing and considering such report(s) of the
CITY OF JANESVILLE Policy No. 66-A
Page 14 of 14
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Date Issued 8/19/91
General Subject: Alcohol Licenses Revised 7/22/02,11/15/05,
3/10/08, 4/29/08,1/13/09,
5/26/15, 1/11/16, 1/25/21
5/10/21
Effective Date 5/11/21
Specific Subject: Alcohol License
Advisory Committee, Cancellation Date
Approval and
Suspension and Supersedes No. 66-A
Responsible Clerk-Treasurer’s
Dept/Div: Office
Chief of Police, the Alcohol License Advisory
Committee may order the licensee, alcohol licensed
agent, bartender(s), and/or all other involved
person(s) to appear at the next meeting of the
Alcohol License Advisory Committee for a personal
interview and review of the matter. The ALAC may
grant up to sixty (60) days for the licensee,
alcohol licensed agent, bartender(s), and/or other
persons to adequately remedy the matter. In the
event that the matter is not adequately remedied to
the satisfaction of the Alcohol License Advisory
Committee within the time limit provided, the
Alcohol License Advisory Committee may recommend
the Common Council hold a suspension, revocation,
or non-renewal hearing, as applicable.