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Chicago's Powerful Liquor Commission Cites 1936 Law

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Chicago, IL — Michelle Fire’s popular Big Chicks is facing the possibility of a permanent closing as early as this Tuesday, November 25th.  Update: Bar Granted Temporary Reprive

There are 2 Liquor License Control Commission actions involving Big Chicks and Tweet.  The actions follow an application by Fire for an incidental liquor license to serve drinks along with food at Tweet, her new restaurant located adjacent to Big Chicks. 

During the license application process, the Chicago Police Department determined that the Tweet space was less than 100 feet from a house of worship.  Under a State Law from 1936, a liquor license cannot be issued when a licensee is closer than 100 feet. This has caused the License Commission to begin revocation proceedings against Big Chicks.

This decision comes unexpectedly to Fire since there has been a continuous liquor license and tavern at the North Sheridan location since 1944. 

Although Fire has gained support from 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Alderman Helen Shiller, 48th Ward Chief of Staff Greg Harris, Representative Larry McKeon, Senator Carol Ronen, Representative Harry Osterman, Committeemen Mike Volini and Sandra Reed, Chicago’s powerful Liquor License Control Commission plans to continue with proceedings against Big Chicks.

“Unfortunately it is a case of government bureaucracy acting stupidly to undo years of hard work and private investment. The cases to be decided revolve around arcane and highly technical discussion of how the State liquor code, and subsequent court cases, determine when and how the measurement specified in the Statute should be made,” writes Harris in an email.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25th at 9:30 a.m. in the basement of the Daley Center.  In an email update Fire solicits the support of patrons, “It would be great if I wasn't alone in the hearing.”

Paul Fairchild and Jim Bennett have organized a Monday rally in support of Big Chicks and Tweet.  Those in support of Big Chicks are invited to gather at 6 p.m. in front of the Uptown bar. 

An online petition has also been established at http://www.petitiononline.com/JRamone/petition.html.

Message Boards: Post Your Take on the Possible Closing

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