Bar owners argued to the DeKalb Liquor Commission on Tuesday that some businesses are abusing their Class E liquor licenses.

Some owners of Class A licenses, which are more restrictive, argued at Tuesday’s special liquor commission meeting that owners of the unlimited number of Class E licenses were operating illegally.

Class E businesses are intended by the city to be operated as restaurants that serve alcohol to complement the food.

The liquor commission heard from both sides to gather opinion so it can advise the city council on any action that may be taken.

The current license agreements stipulate that the establishment must make 60 percent of its business from food sales.

“There are businesses that are abusing the license, and it has to stop,” said Louis Schoenburg of American Liquors, 159 W. Lincoln Highway.

The Class A license holders said they have no problem with legitimate restaurants serving alcohol. Their contention is that some of the Class E businesses were manipulating their business practices to fit within the ordinance.

“They lower liquor prices and we have to lower ours,” Schoenburg said. “Then volume goes up and people run out of the bars and puke in the street.”

The suggestions made by the Class A holders to amend Class E licensing include: increasing the space per person, eliminating cover charges, restricting live entertainment and ending liquor sales at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Chris Gochis, owner of The Barn, 1215 Blackhawk Road, holder of a Class E license, said his business is operating within the ordinances.

“The Barn is open as a 24-hour restaurant,” Gochis said. “We have 40 percent of our business in liquor and we advertise for it – just as the bars run food ads.”

Gochis said he can’t see where any of the suggestions made will benefit the city. He said his business and similar ones bring in more money for the city, and he can’t see why the city would want to inhibit business growth.

“Business breeds business,” Gochis said. “What would go in that building if I lost my license and had to move out?”

Commission member Jesse Perez said it’s too early to say what action the city may take.

“It’s going to be a long and involved process,” Perez said. He said the issues that have come up are symptoms of a problem that needs to be addressed by the city.

The commission decided to hear the issue again at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.

A public forum with presentations from interested parties will follow at 7 p.m.