Liquor commission denies renewal for 815 Slots' Class D beer-and-wine license

The Liquor Commission voted to deny the renewal of a Class D on-premises beer-and-wine license for Tomar LLC, doing business as 815 Slots, at its Dec. 17 meeting after commissioners said the business appears to have shifted its focus toward gaming and unresolved health-department inspection items left open questions about whether the operation still qualifies as a restaurant.

Commissioners said the applicant has not operated the liquor establishment since April, that the premises were remodeled and that available documentation suggested much of the food offering would rely on par-baked or frozen crusts brought from another location. Commissioner Carol, who moved to deny the renewal, said, “I do not support your application, especially with the vagueness of some of the things that we don't understand.” The motion to deny was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.

The commission’s objections centered on three points: (1) whether the business still meets the licensing standard that at least 51% of alcohol-related revenue be from non-gaming sales; (2) conflicting messages about the extent of kitchen changes and whether the health department requires a new full inspection after the remodel; and (3) the applicant’s period of nonoperation since April, which commissioners said may affect whether the renewal should be treated as a routine renewal or a new application.

Applicant Rose Billardello, representing Tomar LLC, described the business as a renamed and relaunched restaurant and gaming venue. “We decided to do a name change and change it to 8 1 5 slots. We still are doing pizzas and appetizers,” Billardello said, adding the business intends to simplify its menu to make kitchen operations easier and continue offering slots alongside food. She said some dough would be prepared at a South Beloit location and that a par-baked crust would be finished on-site.

Commissioners noted a written record the health department flagged, which suggested a larger remodeling deviation than the applicant had described and advised that a full premises inspection might be required. The commission’s attorney (on the record during discussion) cited the 51% non-gaming rule as a substantive threshold for a Class D license and noted that substantial operational changes and extended nonoperation are relevant when considering renewal versus a new application.

During the vote, commissioners recorded the following positions: Babcock—yes to deny; Patty—yes to deny; Block—no; Simon—yes to deny; Frank—yes to deny. The motion to deny the renewal passed. Commissioners told the applicant she may reapply after clarifying the health-department inspection status and providing additional documentation about projected revenue mix and operational plans.

The commission also referenced a prior, separate application involving the same applicant at a different location (Lucky Locks), noting commissioners previously expressed reluctance to expand slot-machine availability in the area. Action on the 815 Slots renewal does not preclude the applicant from submitting a new application with fuller documentation and health-department sign-off.

No members of the public spoke during the agenda item. The commission adjourned after completing the vote.