Stirring up a ban on happy hours?
10:40 PM 7/07/04
Evan Rytlewski Wisconsin State Journal

A proposal about to be introduced to the Alcohol Licensing Review Committee could be the last call for area happy hours. <

Ken Kamp, chairman of the ALRC, said he will recommend at the committee's July 21 meeting that Madison ban all drink specials. <

The proposal, similar to a state law in Illinois, Kamp said, would prohibit bars from selling drinks at prices lower than those the bar normally sells them for. Food and entertainment specials would still be allowed. <

Kamp said the ban would level the playing field for all bars, since currently only some bars are restricted from offering drink specials as a condition of their liquor license. <

The measure could go to the City Council if it receives the support of one council member, but Kamp said he wouldn't recommend it if the proposal does not receive enough support from the ALRC. <

Ald. Judy Olson, 6th District, said she was unsure whether she supports the proposal, but predicted the council will debate it. <

"What we need is a good, informed discussion on the issue," Olson said. "I'm glad that Ken Kamp is making this effort. I think it's worth a try." <

Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, doubts the proposal will find enough support to pass in the council. <

"It's absurd to think that my colleagues would ban drink specials," Verveer said. <

Madison residents enjoying happy hour Wednesday at Genna's Lounge, 105 W. Main, also said they oppose the idea. <

"It appears that the city is out of control and intruding in people's social lives," John Walker said. <

"I think it's unfortunate that they'd be doing something like that to the bars," said Corey Finkelmeyer, another customer at Genna's. "Doing business in Madison is difficult enough." <

And a waiter there said he thinks business would be hurt by the loss of happy hours. "It's one of our busiest times of the day - and happiest," said Joe Holm. <

Until now, discussions of drink-special bans have largely been focused on preventing crime and binge drinking in the campus area. <

In 2002, 24 Downtown bars voluntarily instituted a drink-specials ban at the urging of the university. The results of that ban were inconclusive, but the participating bars are now the target of a class-action lawsuit alleging they violated anti-trust laws by illegally fixing prices. <

Kamp said his proposal could have prevented the lawsuit. <

City Council president Brenda Konkel said the council might be reluctant to discuss further drink-special actions while the lawsuit is pending. <

She added she is unlikely to support the ban. <

"I'd rather see the playing field be leveled the other way and allow all bars to have drink specials," Konkel said. "It makes more sense to have people drinking in a bar where it's a bit more regulated than at house parties."Contact Evan Rytlewski at wsjcity@madison.com or 252-6120.