Popular downtown Milwaukee bar faces 20-day license suspension

A popular bar in the heart of downtown Milwaukee could soon be forced to shut down for 20 days. The Milwaukee Common Council is preparing to vote on a 20-day suspension for Brothers Bar & Grill on Water Street.

This comes as the result of multiple fights over the last several months. On Tuesday, the Common Council License Committee proposed a 20-day suspension of the two licenses that Brothers needs to operate.

Brothers Bar & Grill in Milwaukee's bustling Water Street nightlife district is under scrutiny by the Milwaukee Common Council, which is considering a 20-day suspension of its licenses due to multiple incidents involving patrons. Alderman Peter Burgelis, who sits on the city's Licenses Committee, said, "There are a couple items on the police report mostly involving fights from their patrons, one involving the assault of a police officer."

Milwaukee Police confirmed at least six incidents from 2023 to 2024, leading the committee to propose the suspension of Brothers' Public Entertainment Premises license and liquor license. This proposal will now move to a full Common Council vote.

"I voted against the 20-day suspension," Burgelis said.

Burgelis expressed a preference for progressive discipline, suggesting a warning letter or a shorter suspension period. "We like to see progressive discipline or a warning letter first or a 7-day suspension, but going to multiple weeks for a small business is really impactful not just for the business owner but all the employees," he said.

While Burgelis does not support suspending the licenses at this time, he emphasized the need for Brothers to improve its management of patron behavior. "MPD is certainly nearby, but they can't police everything by themselves. If there's a problem at the bar, you don't get to kick them out and simply say goodbye and turn your back to the problem," he said.

"I understand it's a fun place to be, but you have to have fun responsibly," Burgelis added.

Brothers has updated its security policy, now allowing its security team to assist Milwaukee Police officers with situations outside the bar.

WISN 12 News reached out to Brothers' corporate office for comment, and we have not heard back.

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