Nightclub 618 Live's license could be suspended for 30 days



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Downtown Milwaukee nightclub 618 Live was at the center of a debate at City Hall on Friday, October 18th. The venue was facing possible revocation of its license after complaints by neighbors and nearby businesses.

The Licensing Committee for the Common Council had listened to testimony regarding the club for four hours Friday afternoon. Complaints at the club ranged from violence to lewd behavior.

Milwaukee Police Captain Stephen Basting testified in favor of revoking the club's license.

"Despite all of the cooperation and all of the hard work, the disorder continues," said Basting. "The disorder seems to be over these past, at least the end of summer -- mid summer seems to be more severe and significant when we start to have shootings."

Lisa Farrell of the Hilton Garden Hotel, which is next door to 618 Live, was also in favor of license revocation.

"My own employees didn't feel safe, guests didn't feel safe, and I was told outright they would not return because they didn't feel safe," said Farrell.

After a short break, the committee listened to another three hours of testimony in favor of the club keeping its license. The man in charge of security at the club's doors testified that it would be nearly impossible for someone to get a gun inside under current pat down procedures.

"They do a very good job of managing what comes into their crowd initially but because, as we all know, well once they problem's in your club you have to deal with it," said Sergeant Scott Charles of the Milwaukee Police Department.

After more than seven hours of testimony revocation was not recommended, however Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac did make a motion for the club's license to be suspended for 30 days.