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Judge ordered a status hearing for Jan. 13

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Chicago, IL — Michelle Fire (pictured above right), has been granted a reprieve in her fight to keep Big Chicks and Tweet open.

Today a Cook County judge has ordered a status hearing for January 13, giving Fire a few more weeks to build her case. The bar and restaurant will be allowed to stay open during the delay.

The popular Uptown Gay and Lesbian bar was scheduled to shut down today over a liquor license dispute (story). 

Chicago's powerful liquor commission is trying to pull the license claiming the bar violates an Illinois State Law from 1936, because it is too close to a synagogue.  A liquor license has been in existence at 5024 N. Sheridan for nearly 60 years. Fire has owned Big Chicks for 18 years. 

Big Chicks' attorney, Francis Ostian (pictured above left), says they will file a motion to dismiss within 14 days. 

The City of Chicago has not responded to the action.

Fire says she will fight the city to stay open because she believes her business is an important part of the Uptown neighborhood.

A rally of community support held Monday night outside Big Chicks drew an estimated crowd of more than one hundred people. The mainstream media was also on hand to cover the event. 

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

"So far everybody has been supporting us," Fire tells ChicagoPride.com.  "Everybody is sort of in shock that the City is taking such an aggressive stand about Big Chicks."

Kennette Crockett contributed to this report.

Broadband Video: Fox Chicago - Commission Hearing (11/24)
Message Boards: Post Your Take on the Possible Closing
Related Article: Big-Chicks Faces Permanent Closing (11/23)

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