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Council extends suspension for 618 Live
Council extends suspension for 618 Live
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Common Council voted on Tuesday morning, November 5th to extend the liquor license suspension for 618 Live, a club on Water St. in the downtown area. The extension was 30 days -- and has now been extended to 90 days.
618 Live has been facing possible revocation of its license after complaints by neighbors and nearby businesses. The complaints at the club ranged from violence to lewd behavior, loud music and crowded streets.
Before the vote was made on Tuesday, a motion was introduced for a full revocation of 618 Live's liquor license.
"It's very simple. Do you allow one business enterprise to basically create an economic dead zone, within feet or even blocks of their establishment in the interest of promoting their business and making money, or do you say enough is enough?" asked Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman.
The Common Council debated the issue and then took a vote. The council voted 8-7 in favor of full revocation. But a 12-vote majority is needed for the full revocation to pass.
A short time later, the council voted 9-6 in favor of extending the liquor license suspension. It passed.
An attorney for 618 Live told FOX6 News race factored into the council's decision.
"Our club tends to accommodate African-American members of the community and the complainers against us happen to be Caucasian and we believe there are some racial issues involving that. It's unfortunate but that's how we see it," said Michael Maistelman, attorney for 618 Live.
Opponents say the problem with 618 Live is disturbances -- not the color of those causing them.
Maistelman will be seeking a temporary restraining order on the suspension as early as Wednesday. That would allow the club to stay open while the owner appeals the suspension. For now, the club is scheduled to reopen on the weekend. It will only do so if the temporary restraining order is approved.
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.