Local Liquor Commission

LOCAL LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION May 10, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE Chair Taylor called the May 10, 2018 meeting of the Local Liquor Control Commission meeting along with the Local Tobacco Control Commission meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 West Wesley Street. Upon roll call, the following were present: Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Pearse, Commissioner Sender, Chair Taylor, Commissioner Wolgemuth. Absent: None. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development. II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 12, 2018 Commissioner Wolgemuth moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2018 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. IV. NEW BUSINESS VIOLATION HEARING – BRICKS OF WHEATON, LLC D/B/A BRICKS WOOD FIRED PIZZA & CAFE – 103 E. FRONT STREET Chair Taylor called the public hearing to order and stated that the public hearing is to review evidence relating to allegations of a violation of the Liquor Control Ordinance by Bricks of Wheaton, LLC, 103 E. Front Street, whereby liquor was sold to a person under the age of 21. Chair Taylor indicated that Bricks of Wheaton, LLC, has entered a plea of guilty to the allegations. Mr. Peter Ruge, general manager for Bricks of Wheaton, LLC, stated that he takes full responsibility for the violation and apologizes for the incident. Mr. Ruge stated that at the time of the violation, the restaurant was very busy and the manager failed to ask the customer for an ID. Mr. Ruge stated that the manager was written up for the violation and was suspended without pay for one week. When questioned by Commissioner Brown about going forward, Mr. Ruge stated that they have used the violation as an opportunity to provide additional liquor training for all of the staff. Chair Taylor questioned Mr. Ruge as to what is the simplest way to check if a customer is underage by his ID. Mr. Ruge stated that underage ID’s are vertically oriented. Hearing no further questions or comments the public hearing was closed.  Local Liquor Control Commission Meeting May 10, 2018 Page 2 of 2 VIOLATION HEARING – IVY RESTAURANT GROUP, LLC D/B/A IVY RESTAURANT – 120 N. HALE STREET Chair Taylor called the public hearing to order and stated that the public hearing is to review evidence relating to allegations of a violation of the Liquor Control Ordinance by Ivy Restaurant Group, LLC, 120 N. Hale Street, whereby liquor was sold to a person under the age of 21. Chair Taylor indicated that Ivy Restaurant Group, LLC, has entered a plea of guilty to the allegations. Mr. Richard O’Gorman, owner of Ivy Restaurant, stated that he takes full responsibility for the violation and apologizes for the incident. Mr. O’Gorman stated that he tries very hard to ensure compliance. Mr. Michael Cordin, project manager for Ivy Restaurant Group, LLC, stated he was working in the bar and filled-in for the bartender when he stepped away. Mr. Cordin stated that he asked for an ID, looked at it, but failed to recognize that the person was underage. When Commissioner Pearse asked about his punishment, Mr. Cordin stated he received a fine from DuPage County of $250 which he will have to pay and the fine given by the City as well. Hearing no further questions or comments the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Sender then moved and Commissioner Pearse seconded the motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to the Illinois Compiled Statutes 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (4) at 7:25 P.M. On a voice vote, all voted aye. At approximately 7:30 P.M. the Commission returned to open session. Following an admonishment of the two licensees, Chair Taylor stated the Commission will be recommending a $500 fine for Bricks of Wheaton LLC and $1,000 for Ivy Restaurant Group, LLC to the Liquor Commissioner. V. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS Commissioner Wolgemuth moved and Commissioner Sender seconded a motion to nominate Mark Taylor as Chairperson for the upcoming year. On a voice vote, all voted aye. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning and Economic Development