Council to decide on Class E license

By Nick Swedberg

The DeKalb City Council will vote on an extension of bar hours for restaurants with Class E liquor licenses at Monday’s meeting.

This move is part of a deal struck by the city and The Barn, 1215 Blackhawk Road, City Attorney Margo Ely said. The Barn filed a lawsuit against the city in January that said an ordinance passed in November was unconstitutional. The ordinance stated that Class E establishments had to stop selling alcohol an hour earlier and could not charge a cover.

Class E establishments would close an hour later if the extension passes.

The resolution to the ordinance includes an agreement from The Barn to drop the lawsuit, attorneys’ fees and damages. The Barn would not be able to charge a cover even if the ordinance passes.

The council also will look at a consideration to accommodate the State Officials and Employee Ethics Act passed on Dec. 9, 2003, by the Illinois General Assembly. The act requires all local governments to pass an ordinance concerning political activities and solicitation and acceptance of gifts.

Ely said officials cannot accept more than $100 per year in gifts or more than $75 in beverages and food.

Another revision that will be considered will be for Mondo Diana’s Restaurant, 122 E. Lincoln Highway, which seeks to change to its Class B liquor license. Class B licenses permit the sale of beer and wine only. Mondo Diana’s is seeking a Class E license, even though it has less than 3,000 square feet.

Many of the buildings downtown have less than 3,000 square feet, Ely said.

At the May 10 city council meeting, the council will examine concerns about revisions to the liquor law. At Monday’s council workshop, the city staff was directed to draft revisions to the law that would allow for the sale of alcohol at grocery stores.