Tavern League v. City of Madison

The City of Madison appeals, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin cross-appeals, from a declaratory judgment invalidating a city ordinance. The ordinance authorized the city clerk to withhold issuance of liquor licenses granted by the common council if it appears that the licensees have outstanding and unpaid federal, state or municipal taxes, assessments or forfeitures. The trial court ruled that: (1) the City of Madison has statutory authority to condition the grant of a liquor license on payment of local taxes, but not on federal or state taxes; (2) the ordinance does not violate the equal…