Bikinis contribute toward tavern license suspension

Women in bikinis washing motorcycles on Howell Avenue in July contributed to the suspension of a local tavern license.

At its Nov. 17 meeting, the city’s Licenses Committee voted 3-2 to renew the Class “B” Tavern, Tavern Dance, and Video Game Center license of Jerseys Sports Pub and Grill, 4014-24 S. Howell Ave. (including 4014 Lounge), but with a 45-day suspension due to neighborhood complaints.

After withdrawing a motion to deny Jerseys’ permanent license extension on its patio and volleyball court, 14th District Alderman Tony Zielinski moved to renew the tavern’s license with the 45-day suspension. Alderpersons Jim Bohl and Milele Coggs voted “no.” 

“I think a message needs to be sent that denial [that there's a problem] is not acceptable,” Zielinski said, but that the suspension still gives the owner a chance to meet the concerns of neighbors. Jerseys’ owner Christina Elliott sobbed into the microphone as the suspension was decided.

Neighbors testified at length about noise, litter, profanity, illegal drug use, and other quality-of-life concerns.

“Another thing that I don’t know if it’s a licensing issue but it irritates the heck out of me-bikini-clad bike washes on the sidewalk. That is not what I want my children to see,” said Jennifer Hansen, 1123 E. Norwich St.

Four Mondays in July, bikini-clad women washed motorcycles outside Jerseys in a promotional effort to attract the Harley-Davidson crowd, Elliott said.

Jerseys, owned by Elliott since October 2008, has started imposing $1 fines for volleyball court profanity. Bohl suggested raising the fine to $5 or expulsion after a second incidence of profanity.

Kelly Murphy, 4021 S. Burrell St., who lives directly behind the bar’s volleyball court, testified her 4-year-old son swore at her and told her, “That’s what they say across the fence, Mommy.” Murphy also echoed the concern about the bikini-clad women washing motorcycles on the sidewalk, which Elliott’s lawyer said had since discontinued.

The city attorney’s representative testified that city ordinance prohibits the wearing of only bathing suits in the public highways, although Murphy said she called police about the bikini-wearing women and said she was told as long as the women were covered, the police could not do anything.

The Common Council will consider the committee’s recommendation Dec. 1.

Other Licenses

Hi Fi Cafe, 2640-42 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., applied for a new Class “B” Tavern and Cigarette & Tobacco and Phonograph/Jukebox Premises license Nov. 3.

Pick ‘n Save, 250 W. Holt Ave., applied for a Class “A” Liquor and Malt and Cigarette & Tobacco license transfer Nov. 17.