
The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, is a bar and grill that offers billiards, banquets, and a full bar. In 2019, the establishment faced a brief suspension of its liquor license due to non-compliance issues, including serving alcohol to a minor. The suspension lasted three days, after which the bar was allowed to resume serving alcohol. This incident sparked discussions about improving compliance and highlighted the city's strict enforcement of alcohol licensing regulations. The Ball Room continues to operate as a popular venue for weddings, celebrations, and casual dining, offering a unique blend of entertainment and comfort food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Ball Room |
| Location | 112 E Cook St, Portage, WI 53901 |
| Suspension of Alcohol License | Suspended for 3 days in 2019 and 2021 |
| Reason for Suspension | A minor used a false identification card to buy alcohol and the bar failed a compliance check |
| Owner | Mike Ganz |
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What You'll Learn
- The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, was suspended from serving alcohol for three days in 2019
- This was due to a minor using a false ID to buy alcohol and failing a compliance check
- The bar owner, Mike Ganz, took responsibility and promised to comply with city ordinances
- The Ball Room had accumulated at least 100 demerit points in the last 18 months
- The bar was allowed to resume serving alcohol on May 2, 2019

The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, was suspended from serving alcohol for three days in 2019
The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, is a bar and grill that offers billiards, banquets, and a full bar. In 2019, the venue gained attention for a brief suspension of its liquor license.
On April 2, 2019, it was reported that The Ball Room, located at 112 E. Cook St. in downtown Portage, would have its liquor license suspended for three days at the end of the month. This suspension was ordered by Portage officials due to two separate incidents. Firstly, a minor reportedly used a false identification card to purchase alcohol, and on a separate occasion, the bar failed a compliance check.
As a result of these incidents, the city enforced a liquor license suspension, prohibiting The Ball Room from serving alcohol from April 28 to May 1, 2019. During this time, the bar was closed on April 28 (a Monday) and remained closed on April 30 and May 1, adhering to the three-day suspension.
The owner of The Ball Room, Mike Ganz, took responsibility for the incidents and assured the public that it was a mistake that wouldn't happen again. He expressed his commitment to complying with city ordinances and preventing similar occurrences in the future. Committee members acknowledged Ganz's sincerity and discussed potential solutions, including requiring bartenders to retake training courses on serving alcohol.
This suspension highlights the importance of compliance with liquor laws and the consequences of serving alcohol to minors. It also demonstrates the city's commitment to enforcing regulations and working with establishments to promote responsible alcohol service.
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This was due to a minor using a false ID to buy alcohol and failing a compliance check
The Ballroom in Portage, Wisconsin, was briefly suspended from serving alcohol for three days, from May 2, 2019, to the beginning of May. This was due to a minor using a false ID to buy alcohol and failing a compliance check. The bar had also accumulated at least 100 demerit points in the last 18 months. During a Legislative and Regulatory Committee meeting, the owner, Mike Ganz, took responsibility for the incident, calling it a "mistake" and pledging to comply with city ordinances and work to prevent similar incidents in the future. Committee members acknowledged Ganz's sincerity and honesty, and a lighter penalty was considered.
The Ballroom is a bar and grill located on 112 E. Cook St. in downtown Portage, Wisconsin. It is a popular wedding venue and is known for its large billiard room, the largest in the Midwest. The bar offers a variety of cocktails, including the infamous "Swamp Water" and the "Portage Sunrise," which can be made with or without alcohol.
The incident in question occurred when a minor used an altered identification card to purchase alcohol at The Ball Room. This was a serious violation of alcohol licensing regulations, as Portage officials take these matters very seriously. The city ordinances require the committee to enforce a liquor license suspension of between three and ten days if the licensee accumulates too many demerit points.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, Ganz discussed possible solutions with Portage Police Chief Ken Manthey. One suggested solution was to require all bartenders to retake training courses on serving alcohol. This approach has been successful in the past when other bars have failed compliance checks. Committee members largely approved of Ganz's plan to correct the problem and appreciated his willingness to take responsibility and work towards improving the bar's compliance with city ordinances.
The three-day suspension was intended to send a clear message about the importance of complying with alcohol licensing regulations and protecting minors from accessing alcohol. The Ballroom's management took the necessary steps to address the issue, and the bar was able to resume serving alcohol after the suspension period. This incident served as a reminder to all establishments in Portage, Wisconsin, to uphold the highest standards when it comes to responsible alcohol service and compliance with the law.
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The bar owner, Mike Ganz, took responsibility and promised to comply with city ordinances
The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, is a bar and grill that also offers billiards and banquet facilities. It is a popular wedding venue, known for its large billiard room and comfortable atmosphere. However, in April 2019, The Ball Room faced a brief suspension of its liquor license. This three-day suspension was a result of two separate incidents. On one occasion, a minor was able to purchase alcohol using a false identification card, and during a separate instance, the bar failed a compliance check.
During a Legislative and Regulatory Committee meeting, the owner of The Ball Room, Mike Ganz, acknowledged the issue. He took responsibility for the bar's shortcomings and described them as mistakes that wouldn't happen again. Ganz assured the committee that he would comply with city ordinances and work to prevent similar incidents in the future. He demonstrated his sincerity by taking proactive steps to address the problem.
Ganz's response was well-received by the committee members. They appreciated his honesty and his commitment to finding a solution. One committee member, Charles, was particularly pleased that Ganz had reached out to Portage Police Chief Ken Manthey for guidance. A potential solution they discussed was requiring all bartenders at The Ball Room to retake training courses on serving alcohol. This approach had proven effective in similar situations at other bars that had failed compliance checks.
The committee members favoured a lenient approach, acknowledging Ganz's proactive efforts and sincerity. They decided on a three-day suspension, which fell within the range of three to ten days specified by city ordinances for such violations. This suspension served as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to alcohol licensing regulations in Portage. The Ball Room was allowed to resume serving alcohol on May 2, 2019, after implementing corrective measures to prevent future incidents.
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The Ball Room had accumulated at least 100 demerit points in the last 18 months
The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, is a bar and grill that also offers billiards and banquet facilities. It is a popular wedding venue, known for its large billiard room, dance floor, and comfortable atmosphere. However, in April 2019, The Ball Room faced a brief suspension of its liquor license. This three-day suspension, enforced by Portage officials, was a result of two separate incidents. Firstly, a minor was able to purchase alcohol using a false identification card, and secondly, the bar failed a compliance check.
During a Legislative and Regulatory Committee meeting, the owner of The Ball Room, Mike Ganz, acknowledged the issue and took responsibility for the mistakes. He assured the committee that such incidents were not representative of their normal operations and pledged to comply with city ordinances to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Committee members expressed approval of Ganz's response and his proactive steps to address the problem.
While the suspension was brief, it highlights the importance that Portage officials place on alcohol licensing and compliance. City ordinances mandate a suspension of between three and ten days if a licensee accumulates too many demerit points. In the case of The Ball Room, it had accumulated at least 100 demerit points in the preceding 18 months, as stated by Committee Chairman Mike Charles. This significant accumulation of demerit points resulted in the three-day suspension as a corrective measure.
The Ball Room's liquor license suspension serves as a reminder to all establishments in Portage that compliance with alcohol regulations is crucial. The city takes these matters seriously, and any violations can result in penalties, including the temporary loss of the ability to serve alcohol. Establishments must remain vigilant in their adherence to the law to maintain their liquor licenses and continue operating without interruption.
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The bar was allowed to resume serving alcohol on May 2, 2019
The Ball Room in Portage, Wisconsin, is a bar and grill that also offers billiards and banquets. It is a popular wedding venue, with a full bar and a unique "Swamp Water" cocktail. However, in April 2019, The Ball Room faced a brief suspension of its liquor license.
On April 2, 2019, Portage officials announced that The Ball Room would be prohibited from serving alcohol for three days, starting at the end of April and extending into May. This decision was made due to two separate incidents. Firstly, a minor was reported to have used a false identification card to purchase alcohol, and secondly, the bar failed a compliance check.
During a Legislative and Regulatory Committee meeting, the owner of The Ball Room, Mike Ganz, accepted responsibility for the incidents and assured the committee that it would not happen again. He expressed his commitment to complying with city ordinances and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
As a result of the suspension, The Ball Room was not allowed to serve alcohol for three days, after which they could resume their alcohol service. The bar took the necessary steps to address the issues, and the committee members approved of the corrective actions taken by Ganz. This included speaking to the Portage Police Chief, Ken Manthey, and discussing possible solutions, such as requiring bartenders to retake training courses on serving alcohol.
The Ball Room's liquor license suspension lasted for the designated three days, and they were allowed to resume serving alcohol on May 2, 2019. This incident served as a learning experience for the establishment, and they worked to improve their practices and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, The Ballroom in Portage, Wisconsin, has an alcohol license, but it was briefly suspended for three days in 2019 and 2021.
The Ballroom's alcohol license was suspended because a minor used a false identification card to buy alcohol, and on a separate occasion, the bar failed a compliance check.
The owner, Mike Ganz, took responsibility for the incident, calling it a "mistake" and saying that he would comply with city ordinances to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The committee members expressed approval of Ganz's plan to correct the problem, which included requiring all bartenders to retake training courses on serving alcohol.











































