Quantcast

Madison Reporter

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Greater Madison Chamber opposes rejected liquor license restrictions

Webp qyl986r04t5mzapkwapxiqhjy2j8

Zach Brandon Chamber President | Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Zach Brandon Chamber President | Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Since its introduction in June 2024, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has opposed proposed changes to Madison General Ordinances that would have imposed new regulations on alcohol licensing citywide.

Last week, following more than a year of advocacy by the Chamber, the Madison Common Council voted 16-4 against the measure. The proposal aimed to impose broad restrictions on Class A and Class B liquor licenses throughout the city.

The Chamber argued that while addressing chronic alcohol use is a valid goal, implementing a citywide policy without considering neighborhood-specific needs is not advisable. They stated that the proposal sought solutions to non-existent problems and could have unintended consequences for small businesses and entrepreneurs of color, especially those facing language barriers.

A significant reason for their opposition was confidence in the Alcohol Licensing Review Committee (ALRC), which they believe already effectively reviews alcohol licenses before and after issues arise. The Chamber viewed the legislation as an unwarranted challenge to the committee's capabilities and oversight.

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

!RECEIVE ALERTS

The next time we write about any of these orgs, we’ll email you a link to the story. You may edit your settings or unsubscribe at any time.
Sign-up

DONATE

Help support the Metric Media Foundation's mission to restore community based news.
Donate

MORE NEWS