The DeKalb liquor commissioner has occasionally delayed liquor license suspensions in the past.

Former Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Bessie Chronopoulos said delayed punishments were something she tried to eliminate in her time as liquor commissioner.

Suspensions are ineffective if they are over Spring Break or another time when students are not around and business is slower, she said.

Chronopoulos said she is worried about offenders violating liquor codes again and again.

“[It is] then you start thinking about a revocation of license,” she said.

In a February case heard by Liquor Commissioner Greg Sparrow, The Barn, 1215 Blackhawk Road, received a delayed suspension of their liquor license. Sparrow handed The Barn $2,500 in fines and a liquor license suspension for four consecutive Saturdays in May.

“I can concur that the punishment be held off [until] after the time of the disposition,” Sparrow said in reference to the case.

The Barn’s original violation occurred a year ago, Sparrow said. A two day license suspension and $1,000 fine was appealed by The Barn to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. The ILCC sided with DeKalb and The Barn ended up paying the $2,500 in February.

Had the case been settled at the time of the violation the original sentence would have been served during the summer, when NIU is not in session, he said.

Sparrow said he understands criticism of delaying punishments, but considers things on a case-by-case basis even for repeat offenders.

“I saw no need to be that restrictive,” Sparrow said of the recent case involving The Barn.

Punishment severity depends on a variety of factors including how long an establishment has been in business, Sparrow said. Repeat offenders normally receive stiffer penalties.

In a December 2004 case involving Amnesia, now Bar One, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway, the liquor commissioner dispensed the harshest possible punishment, a $4,500 fine and a 90-day suspension, Sparrow said.

The punishment was negotiated in that case after Amnesia was accused of allowing 15 minors into the bar.

The business was required to serve 45 days of its suspension provided it had no further violations within two years, according to a Feb. 24, 2004, Northern Star article.

Fifteen days of the 45 day suspension were deferred until June 2004. Bar One has since faced more accusations of violating liquor ordinances.By Andy McMurray

Assistant Metro Editor

The DeKalb liquor commissioner has occasionally delayed liquor license suspensions in the past.

Former Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Bessie Chronopoulos said delayed punishments were something she tried to eliminate in her time as liquor commissioner.

Suspensions are ineffective if they are over Spring Break or another time when students are not around and business is slower, she said.

Chronopoulos said she is worried about offenders violating liquor codes again and again.

“[It is] then you start thinking about a revocation of license,” she said.

In a February case heard by Liquor Commissioner Greg Sparrow, The Barn, 1215 Blackhawk Road, received a delayed suspension of their liquor license. Sparrow handed The Barn $2,500 in fines and a liquor license suspension for four consecutive Saturdays in May.

“I can concur that the punishment be held off [until] after the time of the disposition,” Sparrow said in reference to the case.

The Barn’s original violation occurred a year ago, Sparrow said. A two day license suspension and $1,000 fine was appealed by The Barn to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. The ILCC sided with DeKalb and The Barn ended up paying the $2,500 in February.

Had the case been settled at the time of the violation the original sentence would have been served during the summer, when NIU is not in session, he said.

Sparrow said he understands criticism of delaying punishments, but considers things on a case-by-case basis even for repeat offenders.

“I saw no need to be that restrictive,” Sparrow said of the recent case involving The Barn.

Punishment severity depends on a variety of factors including how long an establishment has been in business, Sparrow said. Repeat offenders normally receive stiffer penalties.

In a December 2004 case involving Amnesia, now Bar One, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway, the liquor commissioner dispensed the harshest possible punishment, a $4,500 fine and a 90-day suspension, Sparrow said.

The punishment was negotiated in that case after Amnesia was accused of allowing 15 minors into the bar.

The business was required to serve 45 days of its suspension provided it had no further violations within two years, according to a Feb. 24, 2004, Northern Star article.

Fifteen days of the 45 day suspension were deferred until June 2004. Bar One has since faced more accusations of violating liquor ordinances.