Committee approves resolution to explore adding new criteria in certain licensing deliberations

The Licenses Committee today, Tuesday, March 26, recommended approval of file #231860 – a resolution directing the Office of the City Clerk – License Division to develop legislation under which concentrated poverty may be considered as a criterion in certain licensing deliberations. The file was sponsored by Alderman Khalif J. Rainey and unanimously co-sponsored by the members of the Licenses Committee.

The resolution specifically directs the Office of the City Clerk – License Division to identify factors and indicators of concentrated poverty and crime which may be considered as criteria in certain licensing deliberations. The resolution also directs a report back to the Licenses Committee in 60 days.

“As Council members we often have to weigh several factors when considering whether or not to support a new license application in our districts,” said Alderman Rainey. “There are instances where concentrated poverty or crime rates in an area could indicate that a certain type of business may not be a great fit, and this legislation would help bring us one step closer in being able to consider those factors when making a final decision on a new license establishment. I want to thank my colleagues for their support of this effort.”

The file will be before the full Common Council for adoption at its next regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.