Alcohol in the news; Normal decision has no effect on Champaign project

From the News Gazette

Normal decision has no effect on Champaign project

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign developer Cody Sokolski said Normal's termination of a redevelopment agreement with his company has "no bearing whatsoever" on the M2 on Neil project in downtown Champaign.

...

Why do we care?

BankChampaign has already moved into space on the first floor, but the long-touted Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works, which would occupy the anchor space at Church and Neil streets, has yet to open.

"Destihl has already started construction," said Sokolski, the chief executive officer of One Main Development. "They wanted to get it done in three to four months."

Three to four months... puts it around January-February. Last year showed promise for Destihl opening, since they had a booth (possibly the most popular one) at the Urbana Beer and Chili thing. however, they were absent from this year.

Alcohol in the news: Downtown Champaign streets closed Friday-Saturday for 2 events

From the News-Gazette

Downtown Champaign streets closed Friday-Saturday for 2 events

The intersection of Neil, Church and Main streets in downtown Champaign is closed to traffic through 3 a.m. Sunday to accommodate a bags tournament and the CuervoGames this weekend, Champaign police Sgt. Scott Friedlein said.

The C-U Bags Tournament is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Friedlein said. The tournament is sponsored by the Champaign West Rotary Club to benefit the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, he said.

The CuervoGames are scheduled to run from noon to midnight Saturday, Friedlein said. Champaign is one of 19 sites across the nation chosen for the games, which feature competitions similar to those seen on the ABC-TV show "Wipeout," he said.

If you want to sign up for the Cuervo Games, go to their facebook page.

It looks awesome.

The Champaign Urbana Bags Tournament is Saturday, from 11am to 9 pm. Click here to register.

Bars in the news; Former Station 211 reopens as Red Lion

From the News-Gazette

Former Station 211 reopens as Red Lion

CHAMPAIGN – The Red Lion has roared again.

On Friday evening, the Campustown bar formerly known as Station 211 reopened with a new look and a name that evokes the building's past as a live music hub for Champaign-Urbana.

The bar, at 211 E. Green St., opened its doors after several months of renovation. Its name, Red Lion, recalls the Red Lion Inn bar that stood on the same corner and was a popular spot for local bands from roughly 1968 to 1980. Dan Fogelberg and REO Speedwagon, among others, played there.

...

"I was going for something a little more upscale, more of a nice, clean environment," he said of the new Red Lion. Bar patrons, he said, tend to take care of places when the interior looks nicer. The bar closed in mid-July and has been undergoing the renovation since then.

Inside, the table tops are designed to look like shields. Artwork, including tapestries, depict medieval scenes. The new maple and oak bar has lion heads on its corners. Wood salvaged from a house and barn also brings a rustic look to the interior.

"We wanted to give it a different look," he said. "And we're trying to be very diverse."

...

Several televisions in the bar will show football games and other sports events, and the bar will open early on game days.

A private room called "the dragon room" in the rear of the bar can hold up to 100 people.

The bar just serves drinks; however, private parties can have food catered in.

Alcohol in the news; Drug-alcohol-related crimes up on campus

From the News-Gazette

Drug, Alcohol-related crimes up on campus

Burglaries, drug crimes and alcohol-related crimes rose on the University of Illinois campus last year, based on a report required by federal law.

...

Among the findings:

– Referrals to campus disciplinary action for liquor law violations rose more than any other crime, from 664 in 2008 to 884 last year.

– Arrests for liquor law violations stayed almost exactly the same, rising from 292 to 293.

Bars in the news; Sexism at Mike and Molly's in Champaign

From the News-Gazette, discussion forum

Sexism at Mike and Molly's in Champaign

Sunday Sept 5 from 8pm until 1am witnessed the annual Prairie Jam music show at Mike 'N Molly's. Of the 20 or so players of musical instruments over the course of the evening, only one was a woman, and she played a relatively minor musical role. Emcee for the evening was the News-Gazette's Mike Howie. Long term NG employees Loren Tate and John Beck also attended.

The person who wrote that goes by selguy.

Comments below that are rather good. Selguy's aren't.

Alcohol in the news: State law prevents another strip club at Malibu Bay site

From the News-Gazette

State law prevents another strip club at Malibu Bay site

The former Malibu Bay Lounge at 3106 N. Cunningham Ave. in rural Urbana, closed last spring.

Later this month the property will be auctioned at a sheriff's sale, and a state law prevents it from reopening as a strip club, according to Champaign County planning and zoning director John Hall.

I was wondering why I didn't see any cars there.

"A new owner cannot do what Mr. (Ike) Mapson did at that location," Hall said, referring to the late owner of the Malibu Bay.

"It's within 3,000 feet of a dwelling. It is a state law. We couldn't approve something there that state law doesn't allow," he said. "So hopefully anybody who buys that is aware of it and hopefully has a business plan for something other than adult entertainment."

Well, darn.

I was in the Malibu Bay once... once... I still have nightmares.

I believe it's an appropriately named establishment.

Mal (meaning bad, wrong, evil) and Boobie

Mala-boobie /Malibu Bay

More than a decade ago, under former Champaign County State's Attorney John Piland, the county considered a liquor ordinance revision that would have banned alcohol sales on days when an establishment offered adult entertainment. But the revisions were never adopted.

That would be a horrible liquor ordinance. I'd expect that more from the city of Champaign, than from the county.

The Malibu Bay property will be sold at 9 a.m. Aug. 27 at the Champaign County Courthouse. Mapson and his estate defaulted on a $192,473 mortgage taken in 2002, according to court records. The amount owed now totals $241,467, the records show.

So, if you are looking for a horrible building, on the outskirts of town, that probably has seen it's share of diseases... the Malibu Bay is being auctioned next Friday.

Champaign Liquor License Fee Increase

From the News-Gazette

Champaign council approves increase in liquor license fees

CHAMPAIGN – The cost of selling liquor for Champaign business owners will rise incrementally during the next four years after city council members Tuesday voted 6-3 to increase licensing fees.

The first round of occupancy-based increases will begin on Nov. 1, according to city documents. At that time, the cap on bar licenses will rise from $3,500 to $4,000 and the base fee for some restaurants will go up from $1,250 to $1,550.

Similar increases will occur every November until 2013.

That's about an increase of $2 a day. It may be an initial hard hit on the owners, but it should level out quickly.

Michael Murphy, owner of Mike N Molly's bar in downtown Champaign, said the increase is not likely to affect the price of drinks significantly. Other factors, like distributor prices and a slow economy, are much more likely to do so.

"This probably won't be the thing to make prices go up," Murphy said.

Of course, some places may use it as an excuse to raise prices.

During the meeting, Murphy told the council about his concerns with another topic: licenses for outdoor seating on city property. Mike N Molly's has seating on private property, and he said he pays much more for those seats than would a cafe with seats on a public sidewalk.

"I would like to see the playing field become a little more level," Murphy said.

Teri Legner, the city's economic development manager and deputy liquor commissioner, explained to the council that outdoor seating licensing fees were set when outdoor seating was first allowed more than 10 years ago and had not changed since then.

"It's probably the time to look at that," Legner said.

I can understand Murph's problem, he's got one of the largest beer gardens in town.

Alcohol in the news: Sidney trustees want alcohol restricted at future fests

From the News-Gazette

Sidney trustees want alcohol restricted at future fests

SIDNEY – Sidney officials want to make sure that alcohol stays in designated areas during future street festivals.

The village board has voted to support Village President John Finn, who serves as liquor commissioner, if he issues an order prohibiting outdoor possession or consumption of alcohol on certain occasions like Sidney Summer Fun Daze.

Apparently too many people are walking around drinking in Sidney.

Bars in the news; Police seek help in Villa Grove tavern burglary

From the News-Gazette.

Police seek help in Villa Grove tavern burglary

VILLA GROVE – The Villa Grove Police want the public's help in solving a burglary at the Four Way Stop Tavern in Villa Grove.

After closing Sunday and before 10 a.m. Monday, someone broke the glass on the main entrance door and entered the business at 102 E. Harrison St.

The intruder broke in a safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash. Also stolen were three or four one-liter bottles of Crown Royal whiskey and six bottles of Canadian Club whiskey.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-280-8316 or the Villa Grove Police at 217-832-2511.

Callers may remain anonymous and do not have to give their name. Information leading to an arrest in this case or any felony case may be eligible for a cash reward.

Crown and Canadian Club.

Bars in the News; New Nightspot to open in a few weeks in Champaign

From the News-Gazette.

It's Your Business: New nightspot to open in a few weeks in Champaign

A mid-July opening is anticipated for the new Champaign nightspot Emerald City Lounge.

Previously home to the Jackson's Ribs and Tips restaurant, the building at 116 N. First St. has undergone an extensive remodeling, with a new bar, new flooring, paint, furniture and art, said co-owners Keith Cameron Smith and Tim Denoyer.

...

Smith and Denoyer, who were married in California, said they want the lounge to be an inclusive place, where gay clientele feel comfortable and where their friends and family are comfortable.

...

The space is about 6,000 square feet, plus there's a 1,200-square-foot outdoor patio. They raised a portion of the floor to create a stage and will feature local performers there. Couches were recently moved in, and televisions and art are also planned for the walls.

The drink offerings will include a selection of beers, microbrews, wines and "classic top-shelf drinks," Denoyer said. Four or five drinks that play on the "Wizard of Oz" theme will be available, but Smith and Denoyer said they don't plan to "go overboard" with the Oz theme.

I'll check it out, but I don't think it'll become one of my new favorite bars.

Alcohol in the news; Champaign council dissolves liquor advisory commission

From the News-gazette

Champaign council dissolves liquor advisory commission

You may remember from yesterday, it was possible it would happen, it did.

CHAMPAIGN – The city's liquor advisory commission is no more, after the city council Tuesday night unanimously voted to dissolve the group.

Following the vote, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Jerry Schweighart said the commission meets infrequently and has become irrelevant, but he promised to keep the local alcohol industry informed of city liquor policies.

Nice of him to promise to keep the alcohol industry informed.

The liquor commissioner will now keep in direct contact with liquor industry leaders, often via e-mail, so individuals will receive information at the same time, Schweighart said. He added that one of the problems with the commission was that advisers were not reporting back to their constituents.

Who are liquor industry leaders?

Also in the Daily Illini

Champaign City Council dissolves liquor commission

Champaign City Council members voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance removing the city’s Liquor Advisory Commission from the city’s administration at their meeting on Tuesday night.

While the ordinance passed unanimously, there was some discussion before it went up for vote.

Council member Deborah Feinen said she got a call on the way to the meeting from someone who asked if it was possible for such a commission to continue but only meet once or twice a year.

Mayor Gerald Schweighart said the city will continue to correspond with liquor license holders, only without a specified liquor license commission.

“I just would like to state that I do appreciate their service to the city, and it’s just reached a time when I think we can safely close this without a negative effect,” Schweighart said.

The commission was composed of nine members, including representation from the Illinois Student Senate, the University’s administration and liquor license holders in the Campustown area.

Alcohol in the news; Musicians play on despite liquor license suspension in Urbana

From the News-Gazette

Musicians play on despite liquor license suspension in Urbana

It seems a lot of people are interested in the Iron Post. There have been a lot of visitors to the blog searching for Iron Post Liquor License. Finally, this story in the News-Gazette provides the answer.

URBANA – It was a long, slow weekend at the Iron Post, a bar in downtown Urbana that lost its liquor license for five days after an undercover investigation earlier this year by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

The Iron Post had a five day suspension of it's license.

"We were scheduled for that night," said Morgan Powell, trombonist for the Boneyard Jazz Quintet. "Some bands opted out because there was no liquor served. We decided to go ahead and do it anyway to support Paul.

"It went well. It was a packed house. Unbelievable. I've never seen so many sober people before," Powell joked.

...

Wirth estimated he lost $3,000 during the five-day period last week while his liquor license was suspended.

The Iron Post lost its license for selling alcohol to underage customers during the "Unofficial St. Patrick's Day" weekend in Champaign-Urbana in March.

So, there's the answer, the Iron Post lost it's license for selling alcohol to underage customers during "Unofficial".

"They order the beers and when the beers go on the bar, they turn around and walk out," Wirth said of the undercover agents. "Next thing there are three very large police officers/liquor control commission guys standing behind the bar and writing me and my server a citation."

The two underage customers were a young man and woman, Wirth said.

So, the moral for bar owners is, on days like "unofficial" you should have a person on staff to stand at the door and check ID's. The pay for one person to stand at the door, is a whole lot less than the $3,000 that you'd lose for having your license suspended.

Alcohol in the news; New businesses planned for M2 in downtown Champaign

From the News-Gazette

New businesses planned for M2 in downtown Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Two new businesses – a Mongolian-style restaurant and an Irish pub – are expected to open later this year in the M2 building in downtown Champaign.

Both businesses will be owned by Amit and Ritika Chopra, who also own Green Street Cafe.

Both will be located on the north side of the multiuse, nine-story building, facing Neil and Hill Streets. The restaurant will be in the northeast corner and the pub will be next to it, just north of BankChampaign. The pub will serve traditional Irish bar food. The restaurant will feature create-your-own stir fry.

Traditional Irish bar food? Fish and Chips? I wonder if the bar part will challenge Bentley's as the local Irish Pub?

In other M2 news, the brewery equipment for Destihl Restaurant and BrewWorks, which is planned for the south side of the building, was moved into the building last month. Construction on Destihl is expected to start soon, according to Smith. A building permit has not been filed yet.

When will Destihl open? No one knows.

Alcohol in the News; Dissolution of Champaign's liquor advisory panel possible

From the News-Gazette

Dissolution of champaign's liquor advisory panel possible

Mayor Jerry Schweighart, the city's liquor commissioner, said the liquor advisory commission has been irrelevant for some time, and its agendas historically have been insubstantial, according to city documents.

The group "really doesn't serve a purpose," Schweighart said.

Who, or what is it?

The commission was created in 1993 by city ordinance and comprises representatives from different parts of the local alcohol industry and the University of Illinois. Tuesday's city council decision will be whether to repeal the ordinance that created the group.

They are supposed to meet monthly, but apparently, most meetings are canceled.

The commission was created in a way that makes its recommendations non-binding, which means the decision-making authority lies with Schweighart and the rest of the city council. Schweighart said the city council often finds the commission's recommendations not helpful.

"We're not being asked for a lot of advice on things, and business kind of dried up," McCauley said.

So their recommendations don't matter, and the things they recommend, Schweighart dismisses anyway.

News roundup that happened during my VAKAY

• From the News Gazette

St. Joseph wine shop to showcase elderberries

There's apparently a new wine shop in St. Joe. Wyldewood Cellars, located at 218 E. Lincoln St.

• From WCIA 3 CBS, morning show, Illinoishomepage.net

Celebrate Beer Week with Sunsinger

Brian Bowman from Sunsinger talks about a couple of wines and some beers

Wow, not too much news going on last week.

Hope you had a good American Craft Beer Week.

CU Bars in the news; Citations issued for possession, purchase of alcohol by minors

From the News Gazette

Citations issued for possession, purchase of alcohol by minors

CHAMPAIGN — State police and Champaign police issued citations to 31 people for the possession and purchase of alcohol by a minor and one citation for resisting arrest at six bars in Champaign on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The citations were part of the Operation Campus Tap program, which focuses on underage drinking among college and high school young people.

The breakdown is:

Clybourne, 9
Station 211, 9
High Dive, 5
Kam's, 4
It's Brothers, 4
Bradley's, 1

Not sure which of the bars had the resisting arrest.

Alcohol in the Local News, Urbana council to consider range fo fee increases

From the News-Gazette

Urbana council to consider range of fee increases

URBANA – Fees for ambulance-service companies, liquor licenses, sewer taxes and rental inspections, among others, will likely increase next year.

Obviously, the one we care about is liquor licenses.

Among proposed fee adjustments in liquor license fees, Eldridge recommends:

– For a Class A license, which allows drink and package-liquor sales for consumption on or off premises, or a Class AA license, which permits hotel or motel sales of alcoholic drinks or packages on or off premises, the fee would go from $4,663 to $4,780.

– For Class B, which covers retail sales of only beer for consumption on or off premises, and Class BB, which covers sale of only beer and wine on or off premises, the fee would go from $2,507 to $2,570.

– For Class C, which allows for package-liquor sale for consumption off premises only, the fee would go from $4,548 to $4,662.

– For a GC license, which covers liquor sales at a golf course, the fee goes from $4,808 to $4,928.

– For Class R, which allows drink or package-liquor consumption on or off premises of restaurants, the fee goes from $3,462 to $3,549.

Class R affects the restaurants, like Crane Alley. I believe the Corkscrew is a Class A. Picadilly would be a class C.

CU Bars in the News, Police issue 21 citations for underage possession or purchase of alcohol

From the News-Gazette

Police issue 21 citations for underage possession or purchase of alcohol.

CHAMPAIGN — State police, with help from Champaign police, issued 21 citations for possession or purchase of alcohol by minors ages 18 to 20 years old late Saturday night and early Sunday morning as part of the Operation Campus Tap program.

Sgt. Bill Emery of the state police said Operation Campus Tap is intended to address underage drinking among college-age and high school-age youths.

Emery said police conducted bar checks at 10 locations in Champaign.

Clybourne, 706 S. Sixth St., was the site with the most citations, with nine; followed by Kam’s, 618 E. Daniel (five citations), Station 211, 211 E. Green St. (four citations), Bradley’s, 1906 W. Bradley (two citations) and Chester Street Bar, 65 Chester St. (one citation).

I wonder if it was the kid who was claiming it was his 21st birthday, who was saying that his buddies were going to the bullet, and he didn't want to go there.

CU Bars in the News, UI grads' beers going on sale at two local businesses

From the News-Gazette.

UI grads' beers going on sale at two local businesses

The date for the event is Wednesday, and is being known as Two Brother's Brewery Hog Heaven Night.

This is basically a reprint of the Blind Pig email.

Starting at 6 p.m., Black Dog, 201 N. Broadway Ave., U, will feature the new Long Haul Session Ale along with a special menu and its regular menu.

At about 9 p.m. The Blind Pig, 120 W. Walnut, C, will tap a cask of the new Resistance India Pale Ale. The Champaign bar also will sell Two Brothers Bare Tree Weiss, a special release beer in Two Brothers' artisan line.

The Bitter End and Cane & Ebel will also be on tap with Bare Tree.

CU Bars in the News, Pickup truck crashes through Mahomet bar to steal automated teller machine

From the News-Gazette

Pickup truck crashes through Mahomet bar to steal automated teller machine

MAHOMET - Champaign County sheriff's are looking for a pickup truck with severe rear-end damage that was used to steal an automated teller machine from a Mahomet bar early Tuesday.

...

Coile said Mahomet police were at the Bobcat of Champaign business on Jones Court in Mahomet about 6 a.m. taking a report of a stolen truck that matched the description of the one that busted through the wall of the Lake of the Woods Liquors.

Some journalist needs to go back to school. It took 5 paragraphs for them to get to the "WHERE". Just saying "Mahomet bar" in the lead doesn't count.

Story is also on Illinois Homepage.

ATM Stolen from Mahomet Bar

The Champaign County Sheriff's office is investigating the theft of an ATM. Someone drove a pickup truck through a Mahomet bar early this morning to get to the machine. It happened about 2 a.m. at the Lake of the Woods Bar and Liquors store. It's located on Prairieview Road. Deputies describe the vehicle as a newer model white pickup truck. They're looking for a truck with severe rear end damage. Deputies aren't saying how much cash was taken from the ATM.
Stay with WCA 3 News for the latest information.

Stay with WCIA 3...

Also on WICD15

Another ATM Stolen

Story is on main news page and doesn't have a link, I hate that. Make your stories accessible via a link.

A burglary at the Lake of the Woods Liquor Store in Mahomet - leaves another local business with extensive damage -- and a stolen ATM. According to the Champaign County Sheriff's Office, they are looking for a white, late model pick up truck with back end damage caused by the truck backing into the store. This is the most recent of a string of ATM burglaries - with one happening earlier this year at a gas station in Monticello.