HomeMy WebLinkAboutLIQUOR COMMISSION - 03/09/2010 - Quick Stop, Old ChicagoMINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD BEFORE
THE ELK GROVE VILLAGE LIQUOR COMMISSION
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010
PRESENT: Mayor Craig B. Johnson, Liquor Commissioner
Trustee Samuel L. Lissner
Trustee James P. Petri
ALSO PRESENT: George B. Knickerbocker, Village Attorney
Judith M. Keegan, Village Clerk
Elk Grove Village Police Officer Thomas Danahy
Quick Stop Food Pantry & Liquor
Old Chicago
Attorney Michael D. Hovde, Jr.
Akshay Patel
Robert Habeeb
Mayor Johnson called the public hearing to order at 4:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Charles
J. Zettek Municipal Building, 901 Wellington Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
The Liquor Commissioner introduced himself, Mayor Craig Johnson, the Liquor Committee, Trustees
Lissner and Petri, the Village Attorney, George Knickerbocker and the Village Clerk, Judy Keegan.
The Mayor explained the purpose of the public hearing was to consider evidence concerning the sale of
alcohol to minors at the above named establishments.
Mayor Johnson asked if both respondents had received their respective complaints. Both respondents
confirmed receipt.
The Court Reporter swore in Officer Danahy, Akshay Patel and Robert Habeeb.
Quick Stop Food Pantry (Docket #2010-2) — Investigator Thomas Danahy gave testimony to the
circumstances leading to the sale of alcohol to minors at Quick Stop Food Pantry & Liquor on January
20, 2010 at 2:25 p.m. in the afternoon.
Mayor Johnson confirmed with Officer Danahy that there were two informants, both 19 years of age
and that there was only one person working in the store at the time.
Attorney Michael Hovde spoke on behalf of the respondent, Akshay Patel. Mr. Hovde explained that
Mr. Patel had met with his employee to discuss the situation and is requiring him to take Basset
training.
Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Patel if he remembered during their meeting in July that he specified there
must be two clerks on site at the liquor store at all times when it is open. Mr. Patel responded that he
did remember. He stated that there are normally two people there and he didn't know what happened
on that day. Mr. Patel explained that occasionally there is only one person when someone goes to
lunch or to Sam's Club to purchase supplies.
Mayor Johnson expressed he was upset there was only one person working and disappointed that this
happened only four to five months after having a liquor license.
There were no further questions.
Old Chicago (Docket #2010-1) - Investigator Thomas Danahy gave testimony to the circumstances
leading to the sale of alcohol to minors at Old Chicago on January 20, 2010 at 1:20 p.m. in the
afternoon.
Mr. Robert Habeeb testified for Old Chicago. Trustee Lissner and Trustee Petri had no questions for
Mr. Habeeb. Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Habeeb what Old Chicago has done since the incident.
Mr. Habeeb explained that they have 100 percent Bassett compliance and the bartender who served the
minors was released and the restaurant management had been changed.
Mayor Johnson stated that was rather strict but commended Mr. Habeeb for taking it seriously.
Trustee Petri stated that the informants the Village uses do not have any false identification and the
Village is not trying to trap anyone. They should be told they cannot be served.
Village Attorney George Knickerbocker confirmed with Mr. Habeeb that three names had been
submitted to the Village as managers. Mr. Habeeb stated that they just hired a new General Manager
and that his information would be submitted this week. There will be four Managers.
Mayor Johnson commented that Old Chicago has been there for several years and have been checked
in the past without any problem.
The Liquor Commission adjourned to deliberate in closed session.
The Liquor Commission reconvened to open session and announced the following orders:
Old Chicago — The minimum fine of $250.00 was reduced to $200.00 by the Liquor Commission,
based on the actions which Old Chicago had taken and their good record. They will be
responsible for court reporter fees.
Quick Stop Food Pantry & Liquor — The Liquor Commission ordered a fine of $300.00 and
court reporter fees.
A COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF ALL PARTIES IS CONTAINED IN THE COURT
REPORTER TRANSCRIPTS ON FILE IN THE VILLAGE CLERK'S OFFICE.
Submitted by:
Judith M. Keegan, Village Clerk
Mayor Craig B. Johnson
Liquor Commissioner
C: Mayor and Board of Trustees, Village Attorney, Village Manager, Police Chief, Finance Director