Liquor Licenses Approved for Downtown Businesses

While restaurants serving beer and wine might be good business for the downtown, a few St. Charles city council members don't seem thrilled with a the idea of more having the ability.

Three downtown businesses—Rx Cafe, Prasino, which is still under construction, and one in the work for the old McNally's Pub building—were granted liquor licenses by the city council Tuesday night.

A majority of the council voted in favor of each new license with opposition from three board members.

"Like it or not, they're the bread and butter in this town—the restaurants," said Alderwoman Betsy Penny.

Restaurants would fail if they didn't have the ability to serve, she said.

Rx Cafe, an American tapas restaurant, operated as a BYOB establishment, which meant patrons could bring their own alcohol to drink with dinner. Mayor Don DeWitte said during Tuesday's meeting that restaurants without a license have the ability to allow customers to bring their own.

The other businesses are Prasino, which is described as an "eco-friendly restaurant" that is under construction at its 51 S. First St. location, and 2nd and Main Enterprises, LLC, which owns the building of the former McNally's Pub. Owners of that site reportedly plan to turn it into a restaurant with outdoor seating.

But some of the council, while happy to see new business, were not pleased with the new places for people to drink. A long-time opponent of new licensing, Alderman James Martin voted against all three additions to the liquor roster. Alderwoman Jo Krieger voted against all three licenses, while Alderman David Richards voted against two of them.

"I ask once again when does this stop? When does this council decide that we've had enough?" Martin said.

After Tuesday's meeting, Martin said that his concerns focused on the potential crime associated with alcohol consumption.

"I am not opposed to people having a drink. My opposition is solely directed at those who have a drink and get in their cars," he said.

In July, four St. Charles establishments were found to be in violation of the city's liquor code. During a June compliance check, workers at Pub 222, Scotland Yard, Real Time Sports and The House Pub served underage customers, according to the city.