(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam tavern is appealing a 15-day suspension of its liquor license. The city council on Monday approved the action against Johnny’s Lounge for a closing time fight last June. On Tuesday morning, authorities served the suspension notice to the business, the same day attorneys for the Madison Street bar filed their appeal. The suspension cannot be enforced until after the appeals process is complete. The appeal alleges that the city failed to follow proper procedure under state statute in pursuing the suspension.
The city adopted a demerit point ordinance in 2009 to better manage drinking establishments that break the law. Taverns that accumulate 200 points in a rolling 18-month period could have their license suspended or revoked.
Another fight allegedly occurred at Johnny’s Lounge in December. A woman sustained a laceration from a beer bottle smashed in her face during an argument with an underage patron.
That alleged patron, 20-year-old Topacio Calderon of Beaver Dam, was formally charged Tuesday with felony Substantial Battery and misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct. Johnny’s Lounge was assessed 300 points for that incident. The fight that triggered the 15-day suspension resulted in 230 points being assessed.
City officials are not saying if the latest incident will result in another suspension or revocation hearing.
The appeal of the suspension was assigned to Judge Martin DeVries; a hearing date has not yet been set.
