Milwaukee bar shut down after cocaine and chickens discovered

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a bar located at 12th Street and National Avenue was permanently closed following a police investigation that revealed a troubling array of illegal activities. The bar's operator had been running the establishment for nine years and faced ongoing scrutiny stemming from an October incident involving shots fired. When police intervened, they uncovered cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a suspected drug sales ledger, and 9-millimeter cartridges permitted under local law. Furthermore, chickens were strangely located in the basement of the tavern, prompting questions about their presence and welfare. The bar owner, identified as Coyolt, defended himself against accusations, asserting that the cocaine discovered inside the building did not belong to him. He explained that the chickens were being housed in his bar's basement because he planned to raise them for consumption. While Milwaukee regulations allow for residents to keep chickens, a permit is mandatory, and they must be in outdoor coops—neither of which Coyolt adhered to. The chickens were subsequently taken into custody by Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control officials. Residents and officials expressed frustration over Coyolt’s repeated legal troubles, which included not only drug violations but also the shooting incident that had occurred earlier. During the Common Council meeting, council members communicated their dissatisfaction, stating it was hard to support the bar's license renewal given the owner's history of violations. On Tuesday, the full Common Council voted to revoke the tavern’s license, reflecting broader concerns about public safety and compliance with local laws. This incident demonstrates a significant clash between local regulations and the actions of individuals who operate businesses within a community. It raises questions about public safety, law enforcement efficacy, and how communal spaces should be managed to ensure they do not harbor illegal activities. The decision to close the bar illustrates the local government's commitment to enforcing laws that uphold public safety and wellbeing, revealing the serious implications of ignoring regulatory guidelines.