In a nutshell

In a city flush with bars, including a lot of Downtown establishments serving college students, Ald. Michael Schumacher and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz are proposing to ban owners or employees from drinking alcohol while at work.

The proposal would make it illegal for an owner, immediate family member, manager, employee or independent contractor to drink any alcoholic beverage, or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance while working or performing services at the premises. The law would carry fines up to $1,000.

The case for it

In recent history, the city has seen several occasions where bartenders were too intoxicated to address dangerous situations in establishments, said Schumacher, a member of the city’s Alcohol License Review Committee.

Owners and bartenders, he said, must be able to use the good judgement that’s critical in ensuring patrons have an enjoyable and safe experience.

"Their decision-making is absolutely important," he said.

The case against it

The proposal is unnecessary and another attempt to overregulate individual businesses and the liquor industry, opponents say.

The overwhelming majority of establishments have policies that prohibit bartenders and staff from drinking while on duty, said Barb Mercer, president of the Madison-Dane County Tavern League.

It’s unfair to stop an owner from sharing a drink with a customer, she said.

"I feel it’s one more control being put on an individual’s business," she said.

To get involved

The proposal will be considered by the ALRC in January.

To contact the council office, dial 266-4071 or fax 267-8669. To send an email to all council members, allalders@cityofmadison.com. To write, Common Council Office, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 417, Madison, Wi. 53703-3345. To contact Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, 266-4611, or email, mayor@cityofmadison.com, or write Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 403, Madison WI. 53703-3345.

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