Committee recommends denying Michael St. John's operator license citing statutory ineligibility

The Safety and Licensing Committee moved and recommended 5-0 that the City Council deny Michael St. John’s operator license application after legal counsel said the applicant’s prior conviction falls under statutory exemptions that bar licensure.

Attorney Berwyn explained the committee’s constrained options: the Wisconsin statutes cited in the memorandum include a narrow set of "exempt offenses," drawn from chapter 940 (offenses against the person), that do not allow the usual rehabilitation showing or written explanation of substantial relationship that might otherwise permit licensure. "Being statutorily ineligible," Berwyn said, "I do think the committee is not able to lawfully approve the license."

St. John and supporters told the committee he has since been sober and previously held operating licenses in other municipalities during later years, and a business representative described St. John as an asset and urged discretion. Committee members noted the limited options and moved to deny; the denial will go as a recommendation to the full council. The attorney and staff clarified that statutory ineligibility does not prohibit St. John from working behind a bar under the supervision of a licensed operator.