Jan. 13, 2026 1:45p
(WGTD)---The City of Kenosha begins the new year with a continued shortage of beer and liquor licenses.
The number of licenses that a city is allowed to issue is set by the state. Demand has been exceeding supply.
At Monday night’s Licenses and Permits Committee meeting, two applicants who ordinarily would’ve received licenses were turned down, at least for now. One applicant wanted to open a bar and grill in a vacant building at Sheridan Rd. and 75th St. while another is ready to open under a new name in the old Spanky’s Bar on 52nd St.
The one license that was available Monday night was recommended for an applicant who is ready to open a pizzeria in downtown Kenosha at 5811 6th Ave. The business—Frankie D’s—had operated for a time on 52nd St. west of Green Bay Rd.
Last year, one business was so desperate for a beer and liquor license that it shelled out $10,000 to the city to buy what’s called a “reserve” license. In certain circumstances, cities can sell a limited number of these licenses. The breakfast/lunch place called First Watch on Green Bay Road was the business that went that route in order to acquire its license without having to wait.
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