MADISON, WI (WSAU) Madison Mayor Paul Soglin isn’t sold on the idea of alcohol being served at the new Taco Bell Cantina on State Street. Soglin vetoed a liquor license yesterday for the restaurant, saying serving booze could lead to more alcohol-fueled violence.
Soglin also said his decision was based, in part, on Taco Bell being a fast-food franchise. He said, “If the license was associated with something of value, like a new hotel or a fine restaurant, that would be another thing.” Soglin has also been opposed to more liquor licenses along the State Street corridor in the city. Soglin says the license would open the door to other fast food chains seeking alcohol permits.
It will take 14 of 20 council votes to override the mayor’s veto.
The new restaurant will open before the end of the year. Taco Bell has been experimenting with the “cantina” concept with upscale decor in some urban neighborhoods.
The MetroSource news wire contributed to this report.
