The commission held a discussion about Lupita’s restaurant, where residents and a city council member voiced their concerns over continued public safety disruptions. The residents described the establishment’s transformation into a nightclub, leading to noise disturbances that affected their daily lives, including the inability to sleep and causing children to miss school. They also reported issues such as intoxicated individuals, parking problems, and public urination.

During the hearing, the police sergeant presented the law enforcement perspective, detailing the significant problems stemming from Lupita’s, including noise levels and disturbances in the residential area. He recommended the implementation of quieter hours starting at midnight. The restaurant’s attorney contested some allegations and argued that the issues were not entirely within their control.

The commission discussed a proposal to roll back the restaurant’s closing time to 12:00 a.m. and entertainment to 11:30 p.m. due to non-compliance with existing rules that led to neighborhood disturbances. However, the commission decided to roll back the hours, citing a lack of action in resolving prior complaints.

Additionally, residents expressed frustrations related to a local establishment, detailing the disruptive impact of a DJ and mariachi band. A nearby property owner discussed the establishment’s negative effect on the neighborhood, emphasizing the need to address noise control and parking issues. The director of inspectional services underscored the importance of hands-on ownership in resolving such concerns and building a good relationship with neighbors.

A city councilor proposed scaling back the operating hours for 60 days to evaluate the effects on the community. The restaurant owner apologized for the oversight regarding the DJ’s involvement and agreed to comply with the proposed changes. The commission debated the appropriate operating hours for the restaurant, considering its compliance with the current entertainment license.

The commission also addressed an issue involving a restaurant serving alcohol and operating beyond its licensed hours. Opinions varied on the severity of the violation and the appropriate response. While some members stressed the importance of maintaining the establishment’s reputation, others called for leniency due to the restaurant’s history of compliance and absence of past complaints. A motion was passed to put the violation on file, with an understanding that any future incidents would be reviewed in conjunction with this event.

In other business, the commission approved a one-day malt wine common victualer and entertainment license for a cornhole tournament at Griswald Park, aimed at raising funds for the Jimmy Fund. There was no opposition to the event, which has successfully raised almost $40,000 over the years. Another one-day license was approved for a festival promoting Bosnian Herzegovinian culture.

The commission approved an application for a transfer of the common victualer license for Papa Jack’s, granting permission to extend operating hours to 2 a.m. to accommodate late-night takeout and delivery services. Additionally, Murray’s Tavern’s application for outdoor seating was approved, allowing the establishment to operate the outdoor area from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., with entertainment ending at midnight.

A change of officers and directors for Uno Chicago Grill was approved with the understanding that it would not affect the restaurant’s operation or customer experience.

The commission also tabled the discussion of a summer block party application for a one-day all alcohol common victualer and entertainment license due to the absence of a representative.