Green Bay, WI – Plans for the Titletown District include a high-end hotel and restaurant by Kohler and a brewery with a restaurant from Hinterland.
But in order for the district to have any other establishments that serve liquor, state law would need to change.
That’s because Ashwaubenon has already reached its state-imposed quota for liquor licenses.
“This legislation in a nutshell will provide an opportunity for the Titletown District to meet its full potential,” said State Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard).
Lodge Kohler and Hinterland would already qualify for a liquor license because of exemptions for large restaurants, hotels and breweries. But Steffen drafted a bill to address other establishments that could be part of the district.
Link to legislative draft of bill.
Under his bill, if a community has a “Premiere Economic Development” district with more than $20-million in new construction, it could get two additional liquor licenses. Those licenses could only be used within that district.
“Most of these places that are going up, hopefully in the Titletown District as well as others, they’re not a shot and a beer type place.
They are more often family establishments,” Steffen said.
Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger says he supports the legislation.
“It will help the future of the project by having a few licenses available for smaller things like an ESPN sports bar or family restaurant,” he said.
Steffen’s proposal also has the support of the Tavern League of Wisconsin.
“We worked with him. We think it’s a thoughtful, straight-forward approach,” said tavern league spokesman Scott Stenger.
Under Steffen’s plans, it is possible Ashwaubenon could get more than two licenses for the Titletown District.
That’s because the bill would also allow communities to sell up to three unused liquor licenses to a neighboring community.
Green Bay Packers spokesman Aaron Popkey says the Steffen proposal is a good starting point for the discussion on how the Titletown District can bring more economic development to the region.
The proposal will be circulated for co-sponsors on Wednesday.
