The popular downtown bar Kollege Klub could be serving some of its last drinks if cooperation between the establishment and the Madison Police Department does not improve.
The KK, located at 529 N. Lake St., received a summons for a possible non-renewal of its liquor license by the MPD. However, the non-renewal hearing was cancelled after police learned the bar had made arrangements with city officials for a lesser sentencing.
KK owner Bruce Meyer and his son, general manager Jordan Meyer, met with the Alcohol License Review Committee May 20 to have conditions put on their license.
According to Ald. Mike Verveer, Dist. 4, it is possible the bar will receive a revocation notice from the city attorney in the near future because of overserving, overcrowding, serving underage patrons, and violence not being reported to the police.
However, the elder Meyer said he and his son are ready to cooperate with everyone.
""It's my job to communicate with my managers and make sure everyone is on the same page—including calling police when violence occurs,"" he said.
The younger Meyer said the KK may stop employing a disc jockey to alleviate overcrowding on the dance floor.
Alcohol Policy Coordinator Katherine Plominski recommended that all violent acts be reported to police immediately, and that disks from video cameras not only be saved for 30 days, but be made available to the MPD at their request.
Meyer said 90 percent of the KK staff has attended tavern safety classes and everyone is well aware the MPD needs to be called when violence occurs.
Yet, Ald. Michael Schumacher, District 18, said he is very frustrated over the way events with the KK have transpired.
""It's time for the city's internal management to see that the ALRC cannot completely solve these problems alone,"" he said. ""We need to act in a way that gives you every opportunity to deal with charges, but for us to make more decisive decisions that affect the community.""
The younger Meyer said he would ensure that his staff calls 911 at the slightest hint of a problem, monthly meetings with the police would be definite and that not all patrons would be crammed into the back rooms of the bar.
The Madison Common Council will review the conditions put forth to the KK's liquor license June 2.
