DeKALB | El Charro Restaurant is now a dry establishment.

During a emergency liquor commission hearing Monday, El Charro restaurant, 145 N. Third St., forfeited its class E liquor licence to avoid potential charges.

A shooting on Nov. 17 occurred behind the restaurant in DeKalb Public Parking Lot #4. At least one victim was wounded by gunshots and transported to Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

After that morning’s events, the city noticed multiple restaurant violations. These included permitting cover charges, over-occupancy in the bar area and upper rooms and a lack of security leading to multiple fights and five arrests.

According to DeKalb city clerk Donna Johnson, an agreement was made between the restaurant and the liquor commission.

“The charges would be dropped if they gave up their licence,” she said.

Johnson said Mayor Frank Van Buer approved the agreement and El Charro forfeited its Class-E liquor license.

Restaurants with Class-E licences may only distribute alcohol with food if it is being consumed outside of the designated bar area.

Third Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan said El Charro may have foreseen judicial defeat.

“[El Charro] could have known this was coming and instead of spending the money for lawyers, they could have decided to just forfeit it,” Kapitan said.

Kapitan said the worst punishment for a license holder is to have it revoked.

An El Charro representative was unavailable for comment.