The city's Alcohol License Review Committee granted licenses to two establishments at Wednesday's meeting, but denied a proposed amendment to add a student voting member to the committee.
Originally proposed by Ald. Bryon Eagon, Dist. 8, the amendment was considered in order to give the students a voice on issues that matter to them. He said it was also a chance for the city to reach out to students.
The committee ultimately denied the amendment.
Marsh Shapiro, ALRC member and owner of The Nitty Gritty, said the Dane County Tavern League was adamant about not having the amendment pass. He added he didn't see any reason for a student to vote on the committee, and that it would take too long for a student voting member to become knowledgeable about the Madison bar scene.
Although the amendment was rejected, it is still possible for the amendment to be brought before the full Common Council.
Also discussed at the meeting were licenses requested by two local establishments.
Segredo, a new bowling lounge and restaurant, was granted its request for a liquor license, and The Pub, a State Street bar, was granted its request for an entertainment license.
Although the committee overwhelmingly approved the license for Segredo, there was some initial confusion over who would operate the establishment.
Segredo will take the place of current bar and nightclub Madison Avenue. The bar's current owner, John Okonek, will not have ownership of the new venue, but will remain the agent for the liquor license until new owner Michael Hierl becomes an official resident of Madison.
""Segredo doesn't need Madison, Madison needs Segredo,"" Mark Woulf, a non-voting student committee member, said.
Still, other members said because the venue would be open to those under the age of 21, there would likely be a host of potential problems.
""I'm going to support this, but you are on dangerous ground ... there will be underage people drinking in your bar,"" committee member Tom Landgraf said.
Representatives from The Pub said they were not trying to become a major music venue, but wanted to stimulate business on slower nights with live music.
