License Approval Sparks Controversy Over Past Convictions

In a recent government meeting, the approval of new licenses took center stage, with significant discussions surrounding two establishments seeking to operate in Madison.

The first item on the agenda was the approval of a new license for Grama Area Hospitality LLC, doing business as Gray Market, located at 756 East Washington Avenue. Business partners Matthew Phelps and David Schrammec presented their plans for the venue, which will function as a tavern with a focus on an oyster program, wine offerings, and a cocktail menu. They intend to convert a storage area into a cold kitchen to serve food, with proposed operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 2 PM to midnight on weekends.

However, the applicants' background checks raised concerns, revealing multiple OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) convictions for both Phelps and Schrammec. Phelps disclosed an OWI first offense from 2007 and a second offense in 2014, while Schrammec had three OWI convictions between 2008 and 2013. Despite these issues, both applicants confirmed their commitment to operating responsibly and stated that they had not faced any legal issues in recent years.

The committee sought clarification on the nature of the establishment, confirming that it would be classified as a tavern rather than a restaurant, which was a point of confusion in their application. After addressing these concerns, the committee approved the license.

The meeting also included discussions about a new license application for Steve's Liquor West, but technical difficulties prevented further engagement on that item. Additionally, a public hearing for Madison Petroleum LLC, doing business as Dion's, was noted, but no registrants were present to discuss the matter.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to regulate and approve new business licenses while ensuring compliance with local laws and community standards.