JANESVILLE — The city of Janesville is advancing plans to allow alcohol sales at the soon to open Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center, with a series of approvals and an ordinance change permitting that event amenity.
Shelly Slapack, the city’s recreation director, said the ability to sell alcohol will enhance the Woodman’s Center’s appeal for hosting a variety of events, from sports tournaments and trade shows to banquets and conventions. She said it also aligns with industry standards for similar multi-use venues.
On Monday, the Janesville City Council held a public hearing and then unanimously approved an ordinance change which amends Janesville’s alcohol licensing laws to formally allow alcohol sales and consumption at the Woodman’s Center. The ordinance change also extends the same allowance to current and future city-owned venues such as coliseums and airport event spaces, that are state-licensed to serve alcohol.
The amendment clarifies several definitions in the city’s ordinance, including the term “lessee,” to ensure that contracted operators like Sports Facilities Food and Beverage Wisconsin, that will manage beverage sales at the Woodman’s Center, are covered under public facility alcohol licensing provisions.
The ordinance change also adds the Woodman’s Center to the list of exceptions to the city’s general prohibition on alcohol consumption on public property. Other existing sites with exceptions include certain parks, golf courses, the Dawson Softball Complex, Rotary Botanical Gardens, and the Lincoln-Tallman House.
The city Alcohol License Advisory Committee reviewed and supported the changes earlier this month.
No public comments were made during the hearing.
Sign up for our Daily Update & Weekend Update email newsletters!
Get the latest news, sports, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
