Madison Reporter

A proposal to amend the City of Madison's ordinances aims to simplify the process for local businesses seeking an Entertainment License for indoor live music. Alders Yannette Figueroa Cole, Derek Field, and Michael Verveer are behind this initiative.

In 2014, changes to the city's Zoning Code required businesses classified as "Nightclubs" or "Restaurants-Nightclubs" by the Alcohol License Review Committee (ALRC) to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the Plan Commission. This was intended to provide more oversight after the Alcohol License Density Ordinance ended that year.

However, over the past decade, city officials found that this additional layer of approval has been confusing for business owners who may not have realized they needed a permit from the Plan Commission. It also added costs through extra application fees and time. Notably, there has never been a conflict between decisions made by the ALRC and those by the Plan Commission during this period.

The proposed changes would eliminate the need for a Conditional Use Permit from the Plan Commission while maintaining all other safety and occupancy considerations overseen by the ALRC. The ALRC will retain its authority to impose conditions on Entertainment Licenses during its approval process.