WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsMayor promises student appointee on alcohol committee

Mayor promises student appointee on alcohol committee

MADISON (WKOW) -- College students in Madison want to have a say when it comes to who gets a liquor license in the city.

They hoped to earn a permanent spot on the committee that makes those decisions, but instead, reached a compromise.

Tuesday night, the Common Council passed a new ordinance 16 to 2, allowing the mayor to appoint a Madison resident on the alcohol committee.

It will likely be a student, but there's no guarantee.

College students say they play a big role in Madison's alcohol scene -- whether its drinking, or dealing with those who do.

"If you take the entire student body -- the UW, Edgewood College, Madison College -- that comprises a quarter of the population of Madison," said Jason Smathers, Badger Herald editor-in-chief. "It's a huge constituency, and needs to be represented on an issue they contribute to very heavily."

And when it comes to licensing and regulating alcohol, students want more than just a voice, they want an official vote.

"This committee in particular really affects a lot of the entertainment options in the downtown area where students live," said Adam Johnson, UW student.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz says he opposes a seat reserved for students, because it "would create a slippery slope of groups demanding their own designated seat." There are too many special interests, he said, when these decisions should be made based on what's best for the city.

Alderman Bryon Eagon, who represents district 8, including parts of the UW campus, said he only agreed to the new proposal, because the mayor promised to appoint a student. He hopes the first appointee will set a model example, and inspire future mayors to do the same.

"I think this is a great opportunity for students to show we're actually engaged and informed on the issue," he said.

"We would ideally like to have permanent representation, but this is a step in the right direction," Johnson said.

The new proposal also adds another alderperson to the Alcohol License Review Committee.

The Common Council has to approve any mayoral appointees, so even if the mayor chooses a student to serve on the committee, alders can essentially overrule him.

The ordinance brings the total number of people on the alcohol review committee to 16.

E-mail Jeff Angileri -- jangileri@wkowtv.com