It is time for the Cedarburg Common Council to take residents' concerns seriously and revoke August Weber Haus's license to sell alcohol.

There are several good reasons to revoke this license.[1] August Weber Haus's license holder employs an individual that numerous women have accused of drugging and/or sexually assaulting them, in some cases while this individual was working as an employee of August Weber Haus. As recently as Sept. 1, 2016, it was reported that Cedarburg Police’s investigation into these allegations is “open.”[2]

This individual has also been convicted of disorderly conduct, theft, and was sentenced to jail time for obstructing police.

In addition, August Weber Haus is only open sporadically, unlike other local restaurants and taverns. This is likely because many Cedarburg residents boycott August Weber Haus due to their deep concern about its employment of this individual and the allegations against him.

But boycotting is not enough. August Weber Haus’s continued employment of this individual could pose a threat to the safety of Cedarburg. By continuing to issue a license to August Weber Haus, the Common Council is ignoring community residents' fear and distress over the allegations against this individual.

We the undersigned believe it is time for the Common Council to revoke August Weber Haus's license and make it available to a business whose employees have a moral character and fitness of trust that reflect Cedarburg values.

[1] Title 7, Chapter 2 of the Cedarburg Municipal Code states that the Common Council shall consider the “moral character” and “fitness for the trust to be reposed” when granting Operator’s licenses to sell alcoholic beverages. Chapter 2 also states that the holder of a license is “responsible for the acts of all persons serving as waiters, or serving or selling in any other manner any intoxicating liquor to customers” and that a violation of Chapter 2 “by a duly authorized agent or employee of a licensee…shall constitute a violation by the licensee.” In addition, Chapter 2 prohibits “disorderly…or indecent conduct” on licensed premises. Chapter 2 also empowers the Common Council to hold a hearing to consider revocation of a license for a “good reason.”

[2] The Waukesha Freeman, Sept. 1, 2016, page 5A.