Beer gardens are coming to Oconomowoc for three weekends this year

CITY OF OCONOMOWOC - A beer garden will be coming to the city for three weekends this year, but only after a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Dave Nold.

On April 17, the common council went to a 4-4 tie before Nold voted to approve three temporary class "B" retailer's licenses, which were submitted by the Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association, for a beer garden at the Village Green on June 15 and 16, July 13 and 14 and and Aug. 18 and 19. Village Green is at 104 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Aldermen Charlie Shaw, Lou Kowieski, Kevin Ellis and Tom Strey voted against the licenses because of concerns over downtown parking and the effects a beer garden could have on local businesses.

"For me, this is more than just a parking issue," Shaw said. "I do have a responsibility to the downtown business owners that are already in the business of selling of alcoholic beverages. I think taking three weekends like this out of their summer, it's a lot."

But Alderman Jeff Schmidt, who served on the parks and recreation board, said the beer garden should not detract from any downtown businesses.

"Rather, downtown businesses — either through direct participation or through some marketing — could run some specials and participate to try and draw some people that will hopefully come down for this," Schmidt said.

Lakerz Pub and Eatery owner Lynn Reed said parking in the downtown area is already an issue.

"Why doesn't it look at a real park like Roosevelt where there is volleyball, baseball, bathrooms and parking and there are no businesses right next to it," Reed suggested.

John Kelliher, the director of parks, recreation and forestry, said there are 841 parking stalls in the downtown area.

"The downtown wants to be vibrant," said Alderman Matt Rosek. "I think you want to bring people to your downtown. If you put this in Roosevelt — which I'm not necessarily against, either — but if you put it out that far, you're not going to bring in the traffic downtown. All of the downtowns I've ever gone to that are successful have a vibrant downtown, an active downtown. The downtown is not just for the downtown business owners; the downtown is for everyone in the city."

Attendance is expected to be from 500 to 1,000 patrons per weekend.

Three to five beer selections will be available each weekend, featuring a unique regional brewery. Pricing is expected to be at least $5 per serving.

A refrigerated beer trailer will be used during the event and remain parked and locked overnight at the Village Green. Soda and water will be available for purchase. No prepared food will be sold or served during the event.

"Parking is at a premium, but we've done all we can to provide more," Nold said. "Again, this is a temporary thing. This is something that's going to be for three weekends this summer. If it works, great. If it doesn't work, it's something we can reconsider next year."