Free liquor license for Franklin hotel? So much for taking enforcement seriously
As a member of the Franklin Economic Development Commission, I say "NO." Then I ask, "Why are we even considering this?"
If this strange measure passes, I will ask to put the issue on the agenda of one of the EDC's infrequent meetings and get a big white board out so we can list all of the "advantages" of handing Staybridge Suites 10k that they apparently didn't even ask for.
The white board will likely remain pretty darn white, if I indeed even get the cap off the dry-erase marker.
Then we can talk about how the Buckhorn Inn, the bar right across the street from Staybridge (though you'd be crazy to attempt to walk there), also didn't take its liquor license so seriously.
Want to give Staybridge $10,000 that we evidently have laying around in petty cash? Write 'em a check and print a picture of the presentation in the NOW community newspaper. Don't, however, thumb your nose at the serious responsibility that comes with serving alcohol on the premises by waving off the fee.
Why should any other business bother paying any fees to the city?
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The proposal for Staybridge Suites first was considered by the council Dec. 16 and failed on a 4-3 vote. Taylor cast the tie-breaking vote, but said today that he would like the council to reconsider the matter.
Taylor said the extended-stay hotel, which is due to open at 9527 S. 27th St. next month, is different from taverns that pay for liquor licenses. He noted that the city collects room taxes from the hotel and that Staybridge offers the possibility of drawing first-time visitors to Franklin.
Taylor said he didn't know whether the city had ever waived the liquor license fee before.
More corporate welfare from "fiscal conservatives".
Posted by: Jeff | January 07, 2009 at 01:16 AM