Bar owners express frustration over liquor license process

Black bar owners in Harvey allege that they have not been provided with business licenses, despite claiming to have paid excise taxes on liquor per an ordinance. Photo courtesy of Sean Howard
Black bar owners in Harvey allege that they have not been provided with business licenses, despite claiming to have paid excise taxes on liquor per an ordinance. Photo courtesy of Sean Howard

 Bar owners express frustration over liquor license process

BY TIA CAROL JONES

    Bar owners in Harvey are claiming that there is an inconsistency in policies when it comes to an excise tax for liquor. And, even after some claim to have paid the fees, reportedly, they still have not received their liquor licenses.
     Lynn Hudson-Brown and her husband, Ronald Brown, own Sugababyyy’s at 15414 Park Ave., in Harvey, Ill. Hudson-Brown has been a resident of Harvey for 15 years. “Because I lived here, I decided to [do] my part and help Harvey turn the tide. It always had a negative stigma, I wanted to try and provide an upscale establishment where adults could go and have fun, still safe, still welcome and still provide great service,” she said.
     Joe Brooks, owner of Entrance Entertainment Venue, claims he has paid fees and fines, but alleges, he still has not received his business license. “I just want to be treated fair. If I pay for certain documents, I would like to receive certain documents. I don’t want to be told I can be open without my documents. I need my documents, because if the state comes in, I can also be shut down because I don’t have my business license to show hard copy,” he said.
     John Hamilton, owner of Club O, has lived in Harvey for 35 years. He worked at the club, then in 2018, he bought the club. According to Hamilton, the club has been subject to inspections and more than $100,000 in fines and fees have been paid out in order to remain in compliance. Hamilton claims he has paid $23,000 in excise taxes. Moreover, Hudson-Brown claims more than $10,000 was paid in excise taxes while Brooks claims $10,000 was paid in excise taxes.
     “It’s just sad that we have to do all this to receive what we should get once we take care of business,” Brooks said. “We just want to be able to open up when the state says we can open up.”
Calls to Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark were not returned at the time of writing this report.

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