Teen Club Gets Approval

The finance committee and committee of the whole approved a dance hall license for 'Lights Teen Club,' which is located at the corner of Racine Avenue and Tans Drive.  

Club owner Edmund Stawski, whose family had once owned the '21 Below' nightclub in Milwaukee, told the finance committee that he intended to keep the club non-alcoholic, as separating spaces for adults and teens has not been proven to work well.

"We've found that kids don't want to be where the adults are," Stawski said.  

A security team will be present inside and in the parking lot, in part staffed by retired law enforcement.  Stawski said that while he doesn't anticipate problems, having security ensures none develops.

In addition, entry will be limited to youth in the 14-18 year old demographic, with a school ID required at the door.  Stawski said he would use the present scanners and use the information to develop a database to make sure patrons are who they say they are, and to keep previous trouble-makers out.

The Muskego Gateway had formerly occupied the space, and prior to that it was a theatre.  The plan will be to change a banquet room into a gathering 'hang out' space, create a gaming room from what was a gym and the bar would serve 20 different flavors of Pepsi, according to Stawski.

"We will also offer Polar Shock drinks, which include flavors like pina colada and non-alcoholic margaritas," he explained.

A billiards room will become the dance hall featuring laser lights, and a live DJ to take requests, and for now food offerings will consist of pre-packaged snacks.  "We're hoping after a while to have the ability to serve things like pizza."

Lights Teen Club will be open Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm.