'The Drunk Uncle' saga continues; new liquor license rejected for its potential successor

CBS 58

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- You may remember the West Allis bar named 'The Drunk Uncle' and how it had its liquor license revoked this spring. 

The city's council voted to take it away after the bar's owner, Neal Steffek, was accused of sexual harassment and threats against his bar patrons. 

Steffek testified to the council himself, denying most of the allegations. 

He did admit to not being in the bar at one point that it was open, despite him being the bar's only license holder. 

Now, a woman who testified to try helping Steffek keep that license, April Kreush, is applying for a new liquor license to open up the building as a bar again under a new name 'Boozy Broad'. 

She says she will lease the building from Steffek's father. 

An Administration and Economic Development Commitee meeting happened Tuesday night, Aug. 12. 

Alders were worried about Kreush not having her seller's permit available for this meeting, as well as not having a complete business plan as far as having wholesalers locked in or a W-2 for employees. 

One alder also mentioned Kruesh still having close ties with Steffek. 

"There has been no credible assurance the 'Boozy Broad' will be operated any differently than its predecessor," said Alder Marissa Nowling. "'The Drunk Uncle', the bar whose license was revoked. In fact, the prior owner of 'The Drunk Uncle' not only accompanied the applicant to file her paperwork but personally handed her the money for the application fee." 

Kreush said she didn't lock down wholesalers or have an employee plan because she didn't know how well the hearing would go. 

Some alders argued she shouldn't have to have the full plan in place, but even so, the committee overwhelmingly voted to deny approval of a liquor license at this time. 

The matter goes back to the council and Kruesh has to wait six months before trying again. 

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