APPLETON, Wis–A handwritten note transferring ownership of an Appleton bar saves the businesses’ liquor license. Earlier this month, Appleton officials recommended the denial of a liquor license renewal for Tandem Wine and Beer, citing co-owner George Koenig’s third drunk driving conviction.
After the city’s Safety and Licensing Committee voted unanimously to not renew the license, Koenig appeared a few minutes later at the Appleton Common Council meeting with a one line note, selling his share of the business to his wife a dollar.
Tandem LLC Transfer Letter Council 6-4-25 by Jonathan Krause on Scribd
Alder Brad Firkus did not believe that was a good-faith effort……………
Alder Vered Melzer believes the sudden ownership transfer was a reasonable response to city requirements that not everyone understands………..
Assistant City Attorney Darrin Glad says there is nothing in state statute barring the wife from being the sole applicant for the license………….
After several votes, the Common Council eventually approved the liquor license, provided proof of a formal ownership change is provided by the end of July.