DeKALB | The DeKalb Liquor Commission met Tuesday to discuss issues that may affect local residents and business owners.

The meeting, which focused primarily on Chapter 38 of the municipal code, covered alcohol-related fines and age requirements. Certain proposals also sparked conflict between local bar owners and the commission.

The commission first debated on whether the current fine for a bar selling alcohol without a licence was an appropriate punishment. The amount being debated was $200 but was raised to $500 on a motion.

DeKalb bar owners gave their opinion on the status quo: “Peddlers selling alcohol [without a licence] are fined 200 dollars,” said Mike Petros, owner of Twin Taverns. “I have a licence, but if I sell alcohol to a minor, I’d be fined almost $750. This isn’t fair.”

The commission also discussed a current law which bans the opening of alcohol cases and selling them individually. Some bar owners disagreed with this: “I don’t think something like that should be illegal,” said Starbusters owner Nick Tsiftilis.

The commission did not amend that section of the code, however.

“Is that illegal? Yes. Will it be heavily enforced? Probably not, but it is still illegal,” said liquor commission chair Jeff Whelan.

Another topic that sparked debate was the commissions’ rule on the age requirement for selling alcohol. In DeKalb, it is legal for an 18-year-old to work at a place where alcohol is being served, as long as they are not consuming it. Some members of the commission thought it was ethically wrong for bar owners to employ people under 21. Owners, however, insisted they followed the law, and said it was problematic to exclusively hire people over 21.

“It’s difficult to only hire people who are over 21. I try, but it’s harder,” Tsiftilis said.

Both bar owners said they make sure everyone behind the bar counter is over 21. The next liquor commission meeting will take place Nov. 14.

Ryan Strong is a DeKalb Government Reporter for the Northern Star.