Downtown crime has been on the rise. From home break-ins, to late night assaults, and even unsolved murders, there is concern that Madison isn't so great. Many point the finger to the number of alcohol licenses in bars and restaurants in the downtown. So the City developed a plan to limit the number of licenses and reduce the bar density. The plan freezes the new licenses in a one-mile area downtown and hopes to reduce the number of existing licenses. Proponents cited less crime, safer students, and law-enforcement cost savings. Opponents argued that bars will be over crowded, house parties will increase and become more dangerous, and enforcement costs will increase. Despite a year-long debate, the plan was approved in a 2-1 margin earlier this fall. (Official ordinance)

Fast forward to last night. The Alcohol Licensing Review Committee (originators of the plan) approved a large sports bar and restaurant within the square mile outlined in the density plan. It's in a new development, on a site that had a popular bar in it (Madhatter's). This bar is to be located on the other end of the block, away from the State Street area. But that brings it one block closer to the two largest student dorms on campus, directly across the street from their dining hall. The restaurant will have two floors and have a 550-person capacity. Original plans had an 800-person capacity. Also part of the development is student housing for 1,000 residents. So that means that more than half of the students living directly above the bar will be able fit in the restaurant.

The best part is the closing line of the Badger Herald article:

...[the restaurant's] license was unanimously approved under a few provisions, with several committee members wishing the Brinks good luck.