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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1993MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD January 12. 1993 Present: Joan W. Barr, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Jean Alexander. Board Member Julian Coleman, Board Member Donald Heyrman, Board Member Others Present: Daniel Kelch, owner of Konishi, Inc.. Robert A. Shonk. Finance Director; Ellen Szymanski, Assistant Corporation Counsel Absent: None Place: Mayor's Office on the Second floor of the Civic Center Tuesday, January 12, 1993 at 7:30 P.M. Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:30 P.M. and considered the following agenda items: — Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a Class D Liquor Dense to Konishi, Inc. Doing Business As Lulu's Restaurant. 624 Davis Street. Konishi. Inc.. Doing Business As Lulu's. Class D Liquor Lic4.gse Applicant Daniel Kelch, owner of Lulu's, was present and responded to questions by the Mayor and Board members. Mayor Barr explained the function of her role as Liquor Commissioner and the function of the Liquor Board to Mr. Kelch. The Mayor then explained the license application procedure and stated that on the advice of the Board. and with the Liquor Board's recommendation, each reviewed and approved application is brought to the City Council. An ordinance is issued to amend the number of licenses issued. Mayor Barr stated that the Board will make a decision on the application. If Mr. Kelch's license is approved. Mayor Barr will give her recommendation to the Administration $ Public Works Committee on January 25 and the Ordinance will be adopted on February S. 1993. The Mayor suggested that Mr. Kelch attend the meeting on January 25. Mayor Barr stated that with a Class D license, beer and wine can only be served with food. She further stated that food means two courses (not potato chips, egg rolls. or a snack). Jr She advised Mr. Kelch that minors cannot be served beer or wine and warned him that the Evanston City Code will be strictly enforced. She further stated that a patron rust be 21 years of age in order to be served beer or wine even if he/she is with a parent. Mr. Kelch agreed to comply with the rules. Mr. Kelch explained the concept of his restaurant. what Dim Sum consists of, and passed around a current menu. He stated that he plans to close Mondays at 3:00 P.M. His menu will only change periodically . He is short staffed now, therefore he has a short menu at this time. In the afternoons, he will serve noodle soup. Since people tend to eat larger meals in the evening, they can here a sharing experience. He will encourage people to share various items on the cenu. This will not be a traditional Dim Sum restaurant but a Western style, sit down restaurant where people can order an appetizer and entree. Lulu's was opened in aid -November and is situated where Irving's Restaurant previously was located. There is a preparation area in the basement. People can walk in and reserve space for large groups. Mr. Heyrman commented that one serving of dim sum is not a complete veal. Mr. Kelch agreed that customers would have to order two items. Mr. Kelch stated that he is trying service restaurant. He doesn't want feels that beer and wine sales will oriented as is Cafe Provencal. Mr. selling of wines complement the food. to position the restaurant as a full it to be just an appetizer place. He help make his restaurant more food Kelch feels that the promotion and Mayor Barr thanked Mr. Kelch. After further review, the Commissioners voted to recommend to the City Council that a Class D liquor license be issued to Konishi, Inc., Doing Business As Lulu's. Va Pensiero Query Mayor Barr reported that Mr. Timothy Gorham, the owner of the Margarita Club Club Restaurant Ltd. (Va Pensiero), has requested permission to expand the service of alcoholic beverages for his Va Pensiero Restaurant. Mr. Gorham owns the building commonly known as the Margarita Club located at 1566 Oak Street. Mr. Gorham operates a restaurant called Va Pensiero in the lower level of the building. The Va Pensiero Restaurant has a Class C liquor license. The Class C category permits the sale of liquor and beer and wine with meal service. Mr. Gorham wants the right to serve alcoholic beverages to restaurant customers in the living room and on the roof of the building prior to their being seated in the restaurant. Mayor Barr recalled that on a similar question in 1984 Jack Siegel asked if the premises were separate from the rest of the area. A license was issued with broad discretion to define premises. The roof was not included in the description of the premises given in the present application. It was too far removed. Mayor Barr asked if the application can be amended to extend the license to an additional portion of the building. Assistant Corporation Counsel Ms. Ellen Szymanski responded that it could be done. 11 i11 6111 W II I.. iYI 111 . 11 Y i Ii. i �1 .i I � 1111ki, YIII I a lijkl ii ili 11iliil N Mayor Barr observed that the Orrington Hotel has multiple food areas and the University Club operates under the hotel license. For catered events. alcohol is sold in the ballroom and liquor has been served at parties in the hotel. Ms. Szymanski asked if the Va Pensiero Restaurant has a separate entrance. Mayor Barr responded that it does. Timothy and Barbara Gorham own the building and hold the liquor license. Ms. Szymanski stated that she sees it as just a question of paperwork and amendments since there is a common ownership. Mayor Barr inquired about the University Club. Prior to liquor. there was the Evanston Athletic Club in the Orrington Hotel. The University Club sold their building and the University Club then moved to the second floor of the Orrington. Mr. Heyrman said that the City never received an application from the University Club. He thinks that operating in the hotel and serving liquor informally allowed this situation to exist. Mayor Barr stated that a club license was issued to the American Legion. She asked if there was a concensus of opinion to let the University matter lay. Mr. Heyrman said yes, it mould be all right in a case where a license was held by a hotel and the bar and other liquor services were housed in the hotel. Mayor Barr said that a bar is set up in a large living room in Va Pensiero and drinks are served from there prior to food service in the restaurant. Va Pensiero wants to holds summer wedding receptions on their roof. Va Pensiero would be serving liquor at these receptions. Mr. Heyrman said that as long as two separate entities aren't serving liquor, a separate liquor license isn't needed. One license would cover the entire building. Mayor Barr stated that the Gorhams want to serve tea in the afternoon and also want to be able to sell a glass of wine at a flat fee to their customers. They would advertise "come to tea at the Margarita Club." Mayor Barr felt that this was a matter that would need more discussion since no full meal would be offered. Ellen Szymanski agreed. The Board members then voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:30 P.M. Finance Director, City of Evanston Secretary. Liquor Control Review Board ,ilk . l� , i .. iAi , . u „ 1 u . . HI , . IhLJI w MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD ,- February 3, 1993 Present: Joan W. Barr, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Julian Coleman, Board Member Donald Heyrman, Board Member Others Present: David Lipschutz, owner of Lipschutz Family Investments, Inc.; Bruce Zimmerman, Assistant City Manager; Robert A. Shonk, Finance Director; Kathleen Brenniman, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Johnathan Perman. Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce; Mary Singh; Penny Miller; Madeleine Bennett; Bonnie Wilson; Jinda Rosmann; Bob Seidenberg, Evanston Review Absent: Jean Alexander, Board Member Place: Roam 2401 on the Second floor of the Civic Center Wednesday, February 3. 1993 at 7:30 P.M. Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:40 P.M. and considered the following agenda items: — Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a Class R Liquor License to Lipschutz Family Investments, Inc. Doing Business As Blind Faith Cafe, 525 Dempster Street. Lig5 chutz Family Investments. Inc. Doing Business As Blind Faith. Cafe, Class R Liquor License Applicant David Lipschutz, owner of Lipschutz Family Investments. Inc., was present and responded to questions by the Mayor and Board members. Mayor Barr asked Mr. Lipschutz to describe the operation of his restaurant. Mr. Lipschutz replied that it was great to be back at the Liquor Board hearing once again. He stated he has owned and operated his restaurant at 525 Dempster Street for the last 14 years; and it has been a full service restaurant for the last 10 years. He said he wants to be able to complement food service with beer/wine. One room is self service, there is no tipping, and beer and wine would not be served there. Beer and wine would only be served in the large dining roan that can serve 100 people. He would not have a bar and there would not be a service bar or over the counter bar service. Mayor Barr stated that with a Class R license, beer and Trine can only be served until 10:00 P.M. Mr. Lipschutz said he will close at 10:00 P.H. If he is open past that time, no beer or wine will be served after 10:00 Mr. Heyrman stated that Mr. Lipschutz would be the only licensee with limited hours in Evanston. How would the public be aware of Mr. Lipschutz's hours? Mr. Lipschutz said his kitchen now closes at 10:00 P.N. He will print the hour limit on liquor on the menu and train his staff to make patrons aware of this information. He said his hours were created around his present business experience and he does not plan to change his hours. Mayor Barr also stated her biggest concern was the service of liquor to minors and warned that she has very strong feelings about this. She stated that if someone under 21 is accompanied by a parent or family members, that minor still cannot be served liquor even with parental permission. Mr. Lipschutz responded that he understands and respects the law and will obey the Evanston code. Mayor Barr stated that there will be no liquor carry outs. Mr. Lipschutz acknowledged this and said he understood that liquor could not be carried out of the restaurant. Mr. Lipschutz asked if a customer could order liquor to be carried out along with a food order. Mayor Barr said no, liquor could only be served on the premises. Ms. Brenniman stated that a Class R liquor license requires that service stop at 10:00 P.H. and that liquor consumption stop at 10:30 P.M. Ms. Penny Miller, 1310 Hinman, said she was speaking on behalf of the neighborhood. She likes the new ordinance but feels that they live too close to the Blind Faith Cafe and that serving liquor may increase traffic in the neighborhood and the alley. She wanted the assurance that the City will enforce traffic regulations if David Lipschutz gets his license. Mayor Barr asked if conditions have improved since a sign was posted directing patrons to the Chicago Avenue lot. Ms. Miller replied that she doesn't think any improvement has occurred in the 1200 block of Hinman. She worries about the future if Mr. Lipschutz would no longer be there to supervise matters on a day-to-day basis. Mayor Barr replied that the City doesn't transfer licenses. If David Lipschutz leaves his business, a new applicant would be thoroughly reviewed and considered before a license is issued. A new owner would have to be investigated as a new liquor license applicant. She said that there has only been license problem in 20 years regarding the sale of a business. Ms. Madeleine Bennett, 1302 Hinman, said it is important to preserve the neighborhood. She wants assurance that if David Lipschutz gets a license that traffic et al will be enforced. She wants a variation procedure. Mayor Barr said she will check on a variation procedure. Mrs. Bonnie Wilson, 1246 Hinman, said she felt strongly for the new classification which assures that liquor cannot be sold after 10:00 P.M. _ Parking has improved, but she is still concerned. She asked if the waiters are required to be age 21. Mayor Barr replied age 18. -- `- Ms. Bennett asked how long a truck can stay in the alley to unload. Mayor Barr responded that the service of liquor adds little to this kind of traffic. Mr. Lipschutz concurred. Mayor Barr said she doesn't see more trucks going through the alley but she will find out what rules there are, if any. Jinda Rosmann. 1308 Judson, said she is encouraged because this license classification does address some concerns. She lives 1 1/2 blocks away and understands the immediate neighborhood concerns. Mayor Barr asked David Lipschutz about the delivery of liquor. He said he met with Penny Miller, Madeleine Bennett. and Bonnie Nilson this morning and felt that positive things came from their meeting. He hopes they can be the model of how business and neighbors can work together. Mayor Barr said she was really pleased with their dialog and with the cooperation of the neighbors on this matter. Mary Singh said she didn't understand the prior coarments on catering. Mayor Barr said that sometimes Mr. Lipschutz might be asked to provide food off the premises. He cannot include liquor with take out orders. A discussion ensued regarding the reasons for the catering license liquor classification and why it was derived. Mayor Barr stated that Food for Thought had to refer customers to another business for one stop service since they could not serve liquor. The North Shore Hotel had similar problems. Mr. Jonathan Perman. Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, commended the group for their spirit of cooperation. Mayor Barr asked Mr. Heyrman for his opinion. Mr. Heyroan stated that his impression is that this is almost what neighborhood representatives wanted last time. Now Blind Faith can be given privileges that they have been seeking and that are in line with the neighbors' desires. Mr. Julian Coleman said he felt the same as Mr. Heyrmann. Mayor Barr thanked Mr. Lipschutz and said that she intends to recommend to the City Council on February 8 that a Class R liquor license be issued to Lipschutz Family Investments. Inc., Doing Business As The Blind Faith Cafe. The City Council must amend the ordinance to permit a Class R license to be issued. She suggested that the neighbors and Mr. Lipschutz attend the meeting of the Administration and Public ilorks Committee. If the license is approved it will be introduced on February 8 and adopted on February 22, 1993. The Poard members then voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:18 P.M. Finance director, City of Evanston Secretary, Liquor Control Review Board MINUTES r LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD June 2, 1993 Present: Lorraine H. Morton, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Jean Alexander, Board Member Julian Coleman, Board Member Donald Heyrman, Board Member Others Present: Richard D. smith, President, Cafe Luciano; E. Robert Gordon, secretary/Treasurer, Cafe Luciano; Steven Bernstein, Attorney for the applicant; Holly Lloyd -Bellow, resident Staff: Bruce Zimmerman, Assistant City Manager and Ellen Szymanski, Assistant Corporation Counsel Absent: None Place: Room 2500, Second Floor - Civic Center Tuesday, June 2, 1993 - 7:30 A.M. Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:30 A.M. and considered the following agenda item. -• Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a Class D Liquor License to Luciano Management, Inc., Doing Business As Cafe Luciano & Pizzeria, 2676 Green Bay Road. Steven Bernstein, attorney for the applicant, introduced Richard Smith, president and Robert Gordon, secretary/treasurer, who are present on behalf of the application for the Class D Liquor License. Mr. Smith described the Cafe Luciano as a home -style Italian restaurant which lends itself to the service of wine and beer due to the inexpensive items on the restaurant's menu. Mr. Smith stated that he has operated a larger restaurant in Chicago for three and one-half (3 1/2) years and prior to that time operated a restaurant in Chicago for five (5) years, and has never been cited for a liquor violation. Ms. Alexander emphasized the prohibition of liquor service to r minors even those minors dining at the restaurant with parents. - Minutes - Liquor Control Review Board June 2, 1993 In response to a question from Mayor Morton, Mr. smith stated that the restaurant operates from 11:30 A.M. to 10:0o P.M. on weekdays and 11:30 A.M. to 11:0 P.M. on weekends, He noted that on Sundays the restaurant is open from 5:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. Mr.. Heyrman noted Evanston's history of being a dry community in regards to liquor. Mr. Heyrman emphasized the importance of licensees avoiding service to minors and noted that the community has little tolerance for liquor being served to minors, 'particularly given the many university students residing in Evanston. The applicants noted that Cafe Luciano is a small intimate restaurant which would allow for close observation of liquor service. The applicants stated that they understand that liquor service may be provided only with meals. Holly Lloyd -Bellow, a resident near the intersection of Livingston and Prairie, then addressed the Board. She noted that the restaurant has done much to enhance northwest Evanston. She stated that she believes it is very important to have businesses such as Cafe Luciano in Evanston. Mayor Morton questioned whether the licensee would be purchasing goods locally from Evanston establishments. Mr. Smith noted that lumber and light fixtures have been purchased in Evanston as well as food from Jewel. Mr. Smith emphasized that Cafe Luciano has joined the Chamber of Commerce in Evanston and would also like to participate in special events sponsored by Central Street Merchants and Businesses. Mr. Smith noted that Cafe Luciano has seven (7) full time employees and eight to ten (8-10) part-time employees. Mayor Morton and staff reviewed the schedule for the approval of the license noting that it is scheduled for consideration by the Administration and Public Works Committee and introduction by City Council on June 14, and Council adoption of the ordinance on June 28, 1993. Mr. Bernstein noted that the applicants have waited for a very long time for the processing and approval of this license and expressed interest in requesting the Council to waive it rules to allow for introduction and adoption of the ordinance on June 14, 1993. The Board advised the applicants that has not been the practice of the Council to introduce and adopt an ordinance on the same evening, but that the applicants can certainly request the Council consider the proposal. - 2 - .40 - Minutes - i Liquor Control Review Board June 2, 1993 Mr. Heyrman then moved •for Board approval of the Class D Liquor License application from Cafe Luciano. Ms. Alexander seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0 to approve the license for Cafe Luciano. Mayor Morton emphasized the need for the city to consider it's procedures for processing and approving liquor licenses and whether the potential exists to reduce the time involved. Mr. Zimmerman indicated that he would be meeting with members of the Law Department and Police Department to review the procedures and would return to the Board with any suggestions for reducing the amount of time required to process an application. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 A.M. Bruce Zimmerman �- Secretary, Liquor Control Review Board '%�' - 3 -