The Barn faces penalties for violations of city liquor ordinances that occurred in January.

The Barn, 1215 Blackhawk Road, could get its Class E liquor license revoked and pay up to $7,500 in fines.

A liquor commission hearing was held Tuesday evening to review and discuss The Barn’s numerous violations of local liquor ordinances.

The city of DeKalb charged The Barn for allowing minors on the premises, allowing minors to stay on the premises, serving liquor to minors and charging a cover.

The Barn accepted all violations concerning minors but fought hard to prove it has a right to charge a cover.

The Barn’s owner, Peter Gochis said his establishment should be allowed to recover the costs of hosting live entertainment by charging a cover to let people into the bar.

A class E liquor license is issued to establishments that are both a bar and restaurant, said City Attorney Norma Guess. DeKalb liquor laws do not permit a Class E liquor license holder to charge a cover under any circumstance.

The Barn had previously been authorized by Margo Lyn Ely, former city attorney, to charge a cover, Gochis said.

They also showed proof of their live entertainment license issued by DeKalb and pointed out the bar area is restricted from the restaurant and is city approved.

Guess held strong to the local liquor laws and recommended The Barn’s liquor license be revoked because the incident is a repeat offense.

She also recommended the maximum fine of $2,500 per offense pertaining to minors because it is a repeat offense within a one-year period.

The DeKalb Police Department set up a sting to send minors into the bar and attempt to get served as a standard compliance check Jan. 12.

Of the 13 bars checked that night, The Barn and two others failed.

This was not the first compliance check The Barn failed but they have passed more often than not, said DeKalb Police Officer Curt Biarnesen.

The bartender who served minors paid a $447 fine and was suspended from work for two weeks.

The city will announce the final penalty for The Barn within seven days.