WEST ALLIS — The City of West Allis is exceeding its quota for liquor licenses given out to businesses, yet, city leaders said many businesses are still holding out hope for theirs.
The city gives out 120 Class B combination liquor licenses at a time. Currently, 122 have been given, two more than the city’s current quota.
A few more businesses could be getting them in the weeks to come as the city continues growth.
“Well, I’m hoping for opportunity,” said Markus Gorsic, who hopes to open the bar, “Da Bar.”
“It’s going to be a different business. These used to be nightclubs,” Gorsic said.
The biggest hurdle he will face will come Tuesday night as leaders in West Allis decide whether or not to make an exception and give his business the license.
“Now, with our new policies. It’s possible they make it in,” said Alderman Michael Czaplewski.
The bar would sit in Czaplewski’s District 1 in West Allis. Czaplewski said with the city’s growth, leaders will consider distributing new licenses.
“There are a lot of people who don’t want to locate downtown. They don’t want to be in Brookfield. West Allis is the center of the entire metro area if you look at it,” Czaplewski said.
Some people in the area shared differing opinions about the idea...
“They need more business around here. This has become a dead-end,” said Eddie Webber.
Fredrick Spillman said he believes there are enough places to drink in the area.
“You got liquor stores. You have restaurants around here that have liquor licenses,” Spillman said.
If approved, Gorsic said his goal is to have his place open by opening day for the Milwaukee Brewers this spring.
The vote on whether or not to extend the quota for Gorsic will happen at the Common Council meeting.
