DeKALB | Several underage violations led to Mayor Frank Van Buer’s decision to revoke Bar One’s liquor license on May 30 and effectively close the nightclub.

In the early hours of Friday, March 23 during a compliance check, two minors were found in Bar One, 1000 West Lincoln Highway.

The next night, a 20-year-old agent working for DeKalb police was allowed into the nightclub and was able to order an alcoholic beverage, said Cory Warren, DeKalb’s deputy liquor commissioner.

On April 13, another minor was found on the premises during a periodic check.

Acting as liquor commissioner, Van Buer stripped owner Bob Myers of his ability to serve alcohol and fined him $879.72 to cover court costs, police overtime, a past-due tax penalty and a past-due fire inspection fee.

Owners are culpable for violations, regardless of the depth of their personal involvement with the incident.

“Ultimately, it’s the owner’s responsibility,” Van Buer said. “That’s why we keep emphasizing training.”

The closure of Bar One set the stage for a competitive process in which several businesses will likely vie for the coveted Class A liquor license.

“We are limited to 16 A’s (liquor licenses) and we have 15 licenses issued,” Warren said.

Evaluating which potential business will obtain the last Class A license will take at least several weeks and will likely not be finished until the fall semester, Warren said.

The city of DeKalb will be accepting requests for qualifications from businesses hoping to receive a liquor license.

The process will include detailed background checks and multiple interviews if necessary.

The commission will be looking at how the business will contribute to the city of DeKalb.

“We are looking for an applicant willing to make a significant investment in the business and in the community,” Warren said. “Someone who has a significant investment will hopefully be compliant because they will have a lot to lose.”

The Class A license is desired because it allows the bar to be open another hour on Thursday nights and doesn’t require the business make a majority of their profits from food as the Class E licenses stipulate.

The high privilege Class A license also allows a bar to have cover charges which can make owners money without the same tax burden.

Currently the Bar One dance floor is empty but another tenant is interested re-opening, said landlord John Sanfillipo.

“(The tenant) is waiting for approval of the liquor license,” Sanfillipo said.