La Crosse officials urge nonrenewal of Tequila’s liquor license after repeated underage-sale and fire-code problems

The La Crosse Judiciary & Administration Committee heard testimony June 5 from city attorneys, a fire inspector and police officers who urged the committee to recommend nonrenewal of Chibola Corp.’s liquor license for Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant at 515 West Avenue South.

Assistant City Attorney Gideon Wertheimer told the quasi‑judicial panel the city was seeking nonrenewal after a string of enforcement actions, including a 10‑day suspension in 2024, three convictions in the prior license year and failure to comply with an abatement plan imposed for chronic nuisance activity.

Lieutenant Isaac Zuroski of the La Crosse Fire Department described a series of inspections beginning in December 2024 that identified life‑safety hazards — notably a decorative flower wall near the entrance, extensive use of extension cords, missing junction‑box covers and storage blocking electrical panels. Zuroski said inspectors prioritized the most serious items and allowed time for correction; at a May 5, 2026 reinspection he said most items were fixed but one extension‑cord violation remained outstanding.

Sgt. Daniel Mandujano of the La Crosse Police Department testified that compliance checks and bar checks have repeatedly found underage patrons at Tequila’s. He said officers and investigators have been to the establishment dozens of times in recent years and that enforcement records show a history of failed checks and citations. “With their inability to follow through and constant behavior, we should not renew their license,” Mandujano told the committee.

Licensee Miguel Guerrero and family members disputed parts of the record, arguing language barriers and inconsistent inspection emphases complicated compliance efforts. Guerrero said he has worked with city staff in past training and told the committee he plans to remove the bar and reconfigure the business as a different model if allowed to continue operating: “By the end of the fall, Tequilas won’t exist anymore,” he said.

The committee did not decide at the hearing. Members said they will meet in closed session to deliberate on Tuesday, June 9, and will finalize a written report and recommendation on Thursday, June 11, which will then be presented to city council for a final decision. Both the complainant and licensee will receive copies of the committee’s report and will have an opportunity to object and present arguments to the full council.