Proposed St. Charles Business Prompts Worry from Alderman about Number of Bars

A few St. Charles aldermen raised some concerns regarding the idea of more of one type of business coming into the downtown.

“I really don’t think St. Charles needs more bars,” said Alderman Cliff Carrignan.

A request for a restaurant liquor license was the catalyst for concerns from the city Government Operations Committee Monday night. Rich Simpson, who wants to open Alibi Bar and Grill at 12 N. Third St., again requested approval from the committee.

The first attempt at a proposal for a B3 liquor license failed to impress the committee two weeks ago.

This time, even with a concession by Simpson to stop serving liquor before midnight on weekends, alderman raised concerns about available parking, what types of music the establishment would offer and also suggested taking the word “bar” out of the business name.

“I don’t anticipate it being another watering hole in the downtown district," said St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte. He also serves as the city’s liquor commissioner.

Alibi would open in September and offer “quality food, drinks, music and live entertainment,” according to the proposal submitted to the city. It also states the establishment would cater to a “slightly older customer base by concentrating on creating an upscale experience.”

As part of ongoing discussions with the committee, Simpson agreed to stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday, even though the liquor license allows business to serve alcohol hours later.

“It’s going to be a restaurant,” Simpson said. “Come take a look.”

Carrignan had suggested taking the name “bar” out of the name.

Alderman Jim Martin, who chairs the committee, expressed some doubts to the business owner about whether the proposal is ready for approval.

“I don’t think you really know what you want,” Martin said.

The committee tabled the proposal Monday night for future discussion.