Police describe pattern of failed compliance checks and repeat employee violations at downtown bars

Sergeant Danny Mandujano of the City of La Crosse Police Department testified in both contested hearings on Sept. 2 about the department's alcohol compliance work and specific incidents at the two downtown establishments. Mandujano described three convictions tied to Bennett O'Reilly's (including seven citations issued on Dec. 5, 2025), and said Dells Bar had two failed compliance checks and one instance of an impaired server during a compliance check.

Mandujano explained the department uses both random patrol bar checks and scheduled compliance checks with underage testers who present real identification. He told the committee that in the Dec. 5 incident at Bennett O'Reilly's officers observed several underage-appearing patrons and that several cited individuals said staff had not checked IDs; Mandujano said "there were 7 citations issued that night." He said the department had no recommendation on penalty but noted the city 'three-strike' resolution brings such matters before this committee for a determination. The committee will consider the evidence in closed session and issue a written recommendation next week.