The Drunk Uncle, a local bar embroiled in controversy, has had its licenses for liquor, tavern, and public entertainment officially revoked by the West Allis Common Council in a unanimous decision. As reported by FOX6, the council's ruling was made yesterday and takes effect immediately, shuttering the establishment, which has been under intense scrutiny for months.
The license revocation comes in the wake of allegations against the bar's owner, Neal Steffek, who has been accused of making violent threats and unwelcome sexual advances. According to an interview, Steffek expressed his dismay to WISN: "I'm heartbroken. Not just for myself but for all the good looking young people in West Allis. Sorry your common council took away the best bar in the entire world for you." Prior to the council's decision, the Drunk Uncle opened its doors on Saturday, offering free beverages, which subsequently led to police responses following a fight and a serious injury outside the bar.
In light of these developments, the Public Safety Committee had recommended the revocation of the bar's license on April 17. The bar owner had until April 30 to request an appeal hearing but did not exercise this right. Steffek reportedly told the media before the council meeting, "They are 100% taking our license away, illegally," as mentioned by JSONLINE. When queried on the lack of an appeal from his end, Steffek admitted he was not aware that he could, but voiced skepticism about the potential impact of an appeal.
This sentiment of unfair treatment was echoed by April Kreush, a bartender at The Drunk Uncle, who felt that the allegations were disproportionately targeting Steffek. In a statement obtained by JSONLINE, Kreush said, "You can look at every other bar; they have bad reviews," and "And my whole thing with everything is nobody has ever considered talking to the sober female behind the bar. They always just target Neal. I've been there for five years. I am the regular Saturday person, and I'd say 90% of these issues happened when I was there. Well, Neal's not the one responsible. I was the one responsible."
