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FiveSix in line to lose liquor after vote
Nightclub has drawn complaints from neighbors
By Nathan Phelps
nphelps@greenbaypressgazette.com
Members of a Green Bay City Council committee voted Wednesday to take the first step in a process that could leave a west-side nightclub owned by Green Bay Packers Nick Barnett without a liquor license.
The Protection and Welfare Committee took up the issue after neighbors near FiveSix, 405 W. Walnut St., raised concerns about the about the impact of bar patrons on their neighborhood.
"It's all of the stuff that goes on in my neighborhood, in my yard," said Jesse Rouse, a neighbor who lives across Walnut Street from the bar. "There are a lot of fights … people urinating in the parking lot and my yard, people throwing garbage, beer bottles and the cups in our yard … the level of noise."
Barnett, who operates the establishment with former Oregon State University roommate Shamon Jamerson, owns FiveSix restaurant/ultra lounge, which opened in September.
He told the committee they have hired additional security staff and have made other improvements in an attempt to curb some of the issues around the business.
"I'm sorry about the noise, and we're trying to fix that," he told the council. "We're doing everything in our power. We're not sending people over there and telling them to yell and urinate in their yard. … We are trying to better the situation for both parties."
But some city officials remained skeptical, pointing to the number and types of police calls  from battery to disorderly conduct  to the area around the club.
"I cannot believe an owner of an establishment would put up with this," said Alderman Andy Nicholson. "Green Bay should not put up with this place … we've got nothing but problems."
Rouse told the committee he and his neighbors want to leave the area.
"Keep the peace, that's all we wanted," he said. "We're done, we're fed up."
Green Bay police say they have responded to more than 20 calls connected to the club since the beginning of the year.
Community police officer Dave Schmitz has been working with both neighbors and Barnett in an attempt to work on the issue.
That includes a multifaceted abatement plan ranging from emptying the bar at 2:30 a.m., providing proper security staff and dispersing crowds when the establishment closes.
When asked by Alderman Chris Wery if the business could make changes, Schmitz said, "I have my reservations. … Anything is possible, but it's a tough road for Nick to face."
Alderman Guy Zima, who brought the matter before the committee, said FiveSix didn't deliver on the providing the "restaurant" portion of its license and derives most of its income from alcohol sales.
"It's really a place now that serves alcohol and serves some food," he said.
Barnett said they not only sell food until about 1:30 a.m., but also generate revenue through entertainment.
The committee voted 3-1 to deny the application for the liquor license.
Alderman Chad Fradette, the sole dissenting vote, argued against denying the license, pointing out this is the first time this business has been to the committee while others have been given multiple chances to change their operations.
The matter will go the City Council next week. If that body agrees with the committee, Barnett will be able to appeal the decision and the matter could go to a quasi-judicial hearing.
"I cannot believe I don't get another chance … when a lot of other establishments have been far worse than mine," Barnett said after the meeting. "I'm making an effort to do everything I can and I can't believe they're not giving me an opportunity to rectify the situation.
"I understand what they're saying with the neighbors," he said. "A couple of the comments made seemed like they were directed toward the minorities that go to my establishment … which kind of hurts me a little bit."
When asked about that assertion, Zima said: "Did you hear one word of that here tonight? I didn't. That's make-believe."
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