Madison considers overhaul of alcohol license rules that would limit new bars, clubs downtown

MADISON, Wis. — The city of Madison is looking at an overhaul of its alcohol rules.

The city passed an ordinance in 2007 aimed at curbing the growth of bars and related crime and violence downtown. The ordinance says new businesses in the area can't earn more than half of their revenue from the sale of alcohol.

It expires Aug. 1, but alcohol and food policy coordinator Mark Woulf tells the Wisconsin State Journal (http://bit.ly/1bvtdpy ) that he hopes the City Council will extend it to Jan. 1.

That would give public officials and residents time to consider changes proposed by city staff.

Those changes include a proposed ban on new alcohol licenses for taverns, nightclubs, liquor stores and some other businesses in a smaller area near the state Capitol.