Bar patrons in DeKalb are walking away with more than just a few drinks. Occupancy signs in some local liquor establishments have been disappearing, too. The problem is causing code enforcement officials to crack down.

DeKalb’s municipal code states that occupancy limits must be established and posted in all licensed establishments. It goes on to state that in all Class C, E and F licensed restaurants that have a bar area, limits shall be established separately and posted for the bar and non-bar areas.

Problems were occurring because a few of the restaurants and bars had signs that were missing, DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said.

In most cases, it was suspected that they were taken as souvenirs by people to put up in their apartments or residence hall rooms, Feithen said.

The establishments whose signs went missing were able to have them replaced at no charge.

After having them replaced, the DeKalb code enforcement has begun making rounds, looking to see if all establishments are in compliance with rules, said Ernie Pinne, chief building inspector in DeKalb’s community development department.

“[The signs] must be posted close to the entrance,” Pinne said. “We have to be able to see it when we walk in.”

If inspectors do not see the signs posted, the restaurants will not pass inspections, Pinne said.

Inspectors were at KJ’s Tap, 518 E. Lincoln Highway, on Tuesday, looking for compliance.

Kim Knowlton, owner of KJ’s, said her bar had no problem.

“It’s right in the bar,” said Knowlton of her occupancy sign. “You can see it pretty much right away.”

The problem with some of the signs disappearing had to do with the way they were posted. If signs were posted too low or not properly secured, then it would be easy for people to walk away with them.

At Otto’s Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, precautions were taken to make sure their permits were not taken.

When the permits are given to an establishment, they are laminated, but there are no rules as to how they must be posted.

At Otto’s, they frame the permits and affix them into the wall, general manager Tony Poulos said.