Pure, 162 W. Wisconsin Ave., a downtown nightclub that opened to rave reviews and a bit of controversy in 2002 had its liquor license suspended for 75 days on Tuesday at the Utilities and Licenses Committee. The committee also approved a one-year liquor license extension for the club.

Concern and comments from residents and businesses in the downtown neighborhood were heard during the committee hearing as owner Marv Berg and his attorneys laid out their case at what turned into a nearly three-hour license renewal hearing.

According to Ald. Jim Bohl, the chair of the committee, yesterday's committee decision produced a recommendation that will be forwarded to the entire Common Council on January 21. The recommendation is just that, and can indeed be altered by a majority vote of council members. Pure's attorneys will be afforded five minutes -- if desired -- at the next full council meeting to argue that the committee's recommendation is not proper.

Action can be taken to accept the recommendation, or to reduce the penalty or increase it. The latitude that can be taken ranges from full renewal of the license(s), to renewal with a suspension of not less than 10 nor more than 90 days, to non-renewal of the license(s). Any suspension approved would commence beginning on the renewal date of the license.

A mid-November shooting and other minor disturbances at the club have sparked concern about operations at Pure. The club has also failed to stay within guidelines agreed upon at their last license hearing.

Upon opening, Pure's owners agreed to several original terms that the Westown Association and other groups imposed on the establishment, but have not continued operations of a day-time coffeehouse at the location - one of the terms set as a part of the first liquor license.

"I was hopeful that Pure would be an upscale addition to downtown nightlife when they first opened in 2002, but that promise has never been met. We know that downtown living involves noise and some inconvenience, but the disorderly crowds outside Pure on a regular basis are just too much. We just don't have these issues with the Rock Bottom or other nearby establishments," said Claude J. Krawczyk, downtown resident and candidate for alderman in the downtown (4th) district.

Before the club first opened, owners discussed another idea to keep the business free of potential problems and open during daytime retail hours -- incorporating an up-scale men's clothing store at the location in conjunction with the club. This concept never materialized.

Upon full Common Council approval on January 21, Pure's license may be renewed and the club cannot serve alcohol for 75 days. No word on how this may affect long-term business at the downtown establishment.

Editor's note: On Jan. 21, 2004 the full Common Council suspended the liquor license for Pure for 45 days, down from the 75-day suspension recommended in committee.