Milwaukee alderman proposes reduction beer sales hours. (Marvin Pratt)

A Milwaukee city alderman alarmed by a rise in violent crime says he is pushing ahead with efforts to reduce the number of liquor and beer outlets in the inner city of Milwaukee - the city once known as the world's beer capital.

Alderman Marvin Pratt said he wants to reduce the number of liquor licenses issued by the city and prohibit grocery stores from selling beer after 9 p.m.

The tavern industry has already labeled the measure anti-business in a city whose history is so closely identified with beer and said it will oppose the legislation.

Pra