Interested in working with us? Call us on (800) 800-5678 or fill out this quick form and we will contact you within 24 hours!
Latest News from Wisconsin & Illinois
City Coerces Bar into Violating Biker's Rights
Posted on Aug 27, 2009
Posted 7/26/2007
Hudson, Wisconsin, is a quaint little town in the northwest part of the state. Nestled on the St. Croix River, the downtown area buzzes with excitement as people patronize the numerous bars and restaurants.
One bar in particular is being singled out as having too much excitement. Dibbo’s, is a popular bar, attracting young party goers to its dance hall section, and bikers to the smaller bar area adjacent to the hall. There have been several biker events a year at Dibbo’s without any trouble, according to participants. This year, in an attempt to rid the city of Hudson of a so called criminal enterprise, the city along with the help of the police department is coercing the owners of Dibbo’s to enforce a “no colors” rule in the bar. Dibbo’s also had to agree to install video surveillance cameras, not allow any motorcycle groups to conduct meetings on the premises and to report to police the arrival of any motorcycle clubs to town. Refusal to accept these conditions would have resulted in the bar losing its liquor license.
The St. Croix Valley Riders, an association of motorcyclists in Wisconsin and Minnesota involved with biker’s rights issues, contacted the offices of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. The law firm won a similar case against the City of Milwaukee and the Summerfest organizers when members of the Outlaws MC were not permitted to wear colors on the grounds of the event. Although both cases involve the right to assembly, association and free speech protections, the Hudson case deals with a bar instead of a festival on public grounds. Still, the City of Hudson is targeting a class of people because of their manner of dress.
Attorney Michael Hupy has agreed to look further into the possibility of legal action against Hudson, on behalf of the St. Croix Valley Riders and the various motorcycle groups and clubs affected by the policy being forced on Dibbo’s.
