Politics & Government
Owner of George's Lounge a 'No Show' at Liquor License Hearing
Mayor Sandra Bury calls bar owner's not showing up to answer to alleged liquor license violations a hearing "disappointing."
The owner of George’s Lounge was no-show at hearing to review alleged liquor license violations on Monday.
John Cerniuk, the owner of George’s Lounge at 5407 W. 95th St., had been scheduled for a hearing in front of the the village’s liquor license commission presided over by Mayor Sandra Bury.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Police were acting on a tip that underage drinking was occurring at George’s and had gone to conduct an ID check.
The mayor, village attorney, village prosecutor and a court reporter waited 21 minutes for Cerniuk or his representative to show up for the hearing on Monday morning.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When no one from the bar showed up, the hearing opened with testimony from an Oak Lawn police detective who described going bar and checking IDs.
“I’m going to find that the [chief of police] has met his burden by a preponderance of evidence with the findings and that two violations of the Oak Lawn liquor code did occur,” Bury said. “This is also bolstered that the owner is a ‘no show’ here today.”
The mayor said she would give her written determination with five days. In her role as liquor license commissioner, she can revoke or suspend George’s village liquor licence for up to 30 days, or fine the owner. Fines range from $500 to $1,000 per violation.
Cerniuk has up to 20 days to appeal the village’s ruling with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. If the owner does not file an appeal, the village’s ruling stands.
After the hearing, Bury expressed disappointment that the owner of George’s did not show up. She said she didn’t want to have to shut down any business in Oak Lawn.
“I want to be supportive of businesses,” she said. “We don’t need our establishments serving alcohol after hours or to minors. I’m especially concerned about allegations of controlled substances. We don’t need this.”
READ, Pub Owner: ‘I’m A Little Bit Shocked About the Cocaine’Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
