By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer
ASHWAUBENON – To clarify background information required to disclose on a license or permit application, the village board approved a wording revision Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The change is in response to applicants being denied a license, such as one required for an individual to sell alcoholic beverages, because of how they answered the question: “Have you ever been arrested and/or convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, citation or ordinance violation?”
The board and Public Works and Protection Committee in recent months dealt with some appeals of license denials from applicants after a background check found they did not fully disclose the required information.
The new wording states: “Have you ever been arrested and/or convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, operating under the influence, criminal traffic, or non-traffic ordinance violation? Please note: All offenses MUST be listed. All charges that were part of a plea agreement STILL must be listed on this application. Failure to do so will result in automatic denial of your license application due to failure to disclose all charges.”
The language also makes reference to the Wisconsin Court System website to search the state’s court records.
Village Attorney Tony Wachewicz said the wording change is designed to “make it more clear for the applicant to understand what they need to basically disclose or list as part of the application process for their license or permit.”
Trustee Allison Williams, who sought the revision, said the clerk-treasurer’s office does a good job of telling applicants what they are supposed to fill out, “but we know people always don’t listen the greatest or read the greatest.”
“I know if something is missed (that is) minor, we go back to them and say, ‘Hey, can you add this?’” she said. “But I’m hoping that if we clarify this, and really put it out there, if they see this and we even tell them where you can go to – to look at your record – there’s hopefully going to be a lot less back and forth for the clerk’s office as well as the (public safety) chief.”
Williams said she expects the new wording will make it easier for the village to deny a license.
“Failure to list something – it’s right in front of you – if you can’t read the directions to fill this out, I don’t know if I want you selling alcohol in Ashwaubenon,” she said.
Public Safety Chief Brian Uhl said the new wording provides clarity on what applicants are supposed to list.
“It covers all the information that I need to make a determination (on whether to recommend granting or denying a license),” he said.
Epic liquor license
The board also approved issuing a Class B Beer/Class B Liquor license Boomerang Management, doing business as the Epic Event Center, which is nearing completion of converting the former Gordman’s department store at 2351 Holmgren Way into an entertainment venue and wants to offer patrons alcoholic beverages.