After 12-year-old shot and killed, bar owner denies allegations in liquor license hearing

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WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A West Allis bar owner denied allegations Tuesday night made by the city in an effort to suspend or revoke her liquor license.

Two weeks ago, 12-year-old Ronnel Smith was shot and killed Feb. 25 at Bug n Out Lounge. Another child was injured at the birthday party in the upstairs bar.

Now, the West Allis Police Department wants the liquor license suspended or revoked altogether.

A father and daughter rented the upstairs bar for $200 for a birthday party for a 17-year-old girl, and more than 100 children showed up. Police allege at least six of them had guns, per security video.

Amy Thompson's liquor license requires the bar provide security on weekend nights, but only Thompson and a bartender were working downstairs that night.

In a nine-page summons, the police department alleges Thompson violated state statute by "keeping or maintaining a disorderly or riotous, indecent, or improper house". They cited the murder, the shooting of the other child, the number of firearms displayed by people under 18, overcrowding, lack of security and oversight, and disruption to the neighborhood.

The summons also listed an incident from this past September in which a Bug n Out bartender assaulted an ex-girlfriend while he was on the job, hitting her and throwing her out of the bar, then shattering the rear window of her car.

Thompson appeared alone Tuesday night in front of the West Allis Common Council's Public Safety Committee and denied the allegations against her.

Assistant City Attorney Nicholas Cerwin asked her, "Are you admitting to the allegations in the complaint or are you denying those and requesting a hearing date be set?"

Thompson said, "Deny."

Cerwin asked, "So, a hearing needs to be set?" She replied, "Yes, please." Cerwin closed the exchange by saying, "Ok, very good."

No evidence was presented by either side Tuesday. The next step is to set a hearing date in which both sides will make their cases. The West Allis Public Safety Committee will essentially act as the judge and jury.

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