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. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.