Wausau Police Department. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — You can’t keep your bar open *THAT* late in Wausau.
During Monday’s Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief Ben Bliven announced that Jalapenos was recently hit with 75 demerit points for serving a minor and staying open past closing time. “[It started with] a call at about 5 AM because there was a 16 or 17-year-old who was trying to get into a car so he could stay warm, saying he couldn’t go home because he had been drinking and mom and dad would be mad,” said Bliven.
Officers made contact with the teen, which led them to discover that people were still inside Jalapenos for what was described as an “after-hours party.” “They were quickly scurrying as we arrived,” said Bliven.
According to the report provided in Monday’s agenda packet, the owner of the restaurant was on-site and did make contact with the reporting officers. He said he knew what was going on was wrong, and there would be consequences.
The report added that at least two citations for underage consumption were issued, including to the teen that was found trying to get into the car and the bouncer. As many as 13 people were confirmed to have been in the establishment.
Bliven said the owner has been cooperative with officers and admitted that allowing the patrons to stay past closing time was a case of poor judgment. “We did have a meeting with him to lay down the expectations and to make sure they understood what those expectations are.
“He said all the right things,” added Bliven.
Jalapenos received 25 demerit points each for serving an underage person, allowing an underage person on-premise, and being open after hours. The 75 points will stay on Jalapenos’ record for the next 12 months. Should they reach the 100-point mark before that drops off, it would trigger a formal letter of concern from the Public Health and Safety Committee.
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