Businesses in Janesville now have more time to hold their liquor licenses before opening their doors thanks to an ordinance change by the Janesville City Council.
They voted to increase the time period before a license holder has to request an extension, a proposal the city’s own Alcohol License Advisory Committee unanimously opposed.
Previously, license holders had 90 days to open their business, but they could apply for three additional extensions of 90 days each.
The council’s decision extends the initial time period to 240 days, which the ALAC fears will tie up more licenses away from other businesses which might be ready sooner.
When the time period runs up, the city is then allowed to begin the process of revoking a license.
Council members Tom Wolfe and Doug Marklein, who proposed the change, feel the longer period will reduce the time the committee and city staff will have to spend on extensions.
The city currently has no Class B liquor licenses available for new bars and restaurants.
