It is no secret that La Crosse, home to three college campuses, continues to face challenges related to underage drinking. With the repeal of Latino’s Bar & Grill’s liquor license, which eventually led to the establishment’s closure last year, it became evident that the city was taking steps to address the presence of underage patrons in the downtown bar scene. It appears the city’s efforts have not slowed, with the recent repeal of Tequila’s Bar & Grill’s liquor license and Citgo on State Street’s tobacco and liquor licenses.
Tequila’s Bar & Grill, an establishment within a mile of the University Wisconsin-La Crosse campus, has had three convictions in its current license year for both allowing minors into the bar and providing minors with alcohol. Additionally, city police reported that 48% of Tequila’s bar checks resulted in citations since 2021.
This is not Tequila’s first issue involving its liquor license. In 2024, Tequila’s Bar & Grill had its liquor license suspended for 10 days in July and reached an agreement with the City of La Crosse to retain the license. The agreement required Tequila’s to expand its “We Check IDs” signage, ensure all servers obtained bartender licenses, attend alcohol education training with the La Crosse Police Department and comply with additional conditions.
Michael Guerrero, the son of Tequila’s Bar and Grill’s owner, spoke with News 8 Now saying, “I hope that people question whether Tequila’s and Citgo, for that matter, are being used as scapegoats to not address the overall issue that is underage drinking in the city and, quite frankly, the inability to do anything about it.”
The Citgo station on State Street was reported to have repeated allegations of illegal drug sales as well as a conviction for selling alcohol to an underage buyer during a compliance check. Police also reported having found Malegra (Viagra) pills behind the counter on two occasions, leading to arrests along with a pending felony case.
The station has also faced public attention beyond its licensing issues. In February, the La Crosse Fire Department responded to an SUV fire near the gas pumps, further contributing to public concerns surrounding the establishment.
Both Citgo and Tequila’s Bar & Grill will be unable to legally sell alcohol and tobacco from July 1, 2026, to June 20, 2027. To sell alcohol and/or tobacco after that time period the businesses will have to apply to the city as a new applicant.
