LADY BUG CLUB GRANTED TRO; WILL BE OPEN FOR HOLIDAYS

 DOWNTOWN DANCE CLUB WILL BE OPEN FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

Judge Grants Stay of License Suspension

Next Hearing Set for January 6, 2010

Special to the Readers of Milwaukeeworld

By Michael Horne

And The Milwaukee World Hound Dog Team

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Mel Flanagan [UW '84] issued a temporary restraining order today, Wednesday, December 16th, 2009, prohibiting the City of Milwaukee from enforcing its 60-day suspension of the Class "B" Alcohol Beverage license for Lady Bug Club / 618 Live on Water, 622 N. Water St.
The stay will remain in effect until January 6th, 2009, when the court will hold a judicial review hearing on the matter.
The council imposed the suspension at its December 1st, 2009 meeting, based on police and neighborhood objections. The suspension was to have taken place effective December 20th, 2009.
However, the club put up a spirited defense at the License Committee hearing where Ald. Bob Bauman [Northwestern U. '77] initially supported a revocation of the club's license. The committee voted for a 20-day suspension after nearly five hours of testimony on the file.
Speaking through his attorney, David Halbrooks [UW '87], agent Habib Manjee welcomed the judge's decision, saying, "I am happy the judge issued her order and look forward to the ultimate probability of success for us on the merits of the case." Halbrooks was assisted in the matter by Atty. Matthew D. Lerner [Marquette '06].
The City was represented by former Wisconsin Army National Guard assistant adjutant general Brigadier General (Ret.) Bruce Schrimpf [UW '71].