Committee forwards Landing Zone liquor-license transfer to council; Dos Amigos application held pending 100-foot check

KANKAKEE, Ill. (Sept. 4, 2025) The committee voted on Sept. 4 to forward a proposed liquor-license transfer for the Landing Zone (the Hanger Bar at the Economy Lodge) to the full City Council, while a separate application for a restaurant-class liquor license for Dos Amigos at 533 East River Street was not approved and remains pending until the applicant verifies distance requirements with the state and mayor's staff.

Landing Zone transfer: The applicant, Mr. Patel, told the committee he purchased the Economy Lodge and the Hanger Bar and has remodeled much of the hotel. He said he has remodeled about 60% to 70% of the property and installed a 32-channel surveillance system that covers the property, including the bar. Committee members said the Fourth Ward alderman had reviewed the application and had no objection. A committee member moved to send the transfer to council and a second was recorded; the committee voted in favor and the transfer will proceed to a council vote. Committee staff said the standard background checks and liquor-commission review will continue at the council level.

Dos Amigos application held: Applicant Mr. Serna (identified in the meeting as Mr. Serna) applied for a restaurant-class liquor license for Dos Amigos at 533 E. River St. Committee members noted that Illinois liquor rules measure a 100-foot separation from certain uses (churches, schools) by property-line to property-line. Staff said the property appears to be within that 100-foot buffer to a nearby church and advised the applicant to contact David in the mayor's office or the Illinois liquor-control authority and to provide a formal measurement if he wished the committee to consider the application further. No committee action was taken on Dos Amigos at the meeting.

Why it matters: local approvals of liquor licenses affect where alcohol may be served and require municipal review for transfers, background checks and compliance with state distance requirements. The committee's decision to forward one transfer and withhold action on the other reflects routine licensing checks and a state-set proximity standard that can block municipal approval if not overcome by measurement or state approval.

Next steps: The Landing Zone transfer will go to city council for a final decision; Mr. Serna was told to confirm the distance to the church property line and follow up with the mayor's office or the state liquor commission if he believes the measurement exceeds 100 feet.

Ending: Committee staff indicated they would follow up with applicants about next steps and with council staff about the Landing Zone transfer schedule.