Trustees approve Portasino liquor licenses, add conditions on alleyway maintenance

HINSDALE, Ill. — The Board of Trustees voted to approve an ordinance authorizing liquor licenses for Portasino LLC, the restaurant owners who applied to operate at 114 S. Washington St., and attached license conditions clarifying maintenance and use of the alleyway entrance.

Colin, a Portasino partner, told the board the business seeks immediate approval to avoid losing its lease and to reopen quickly; he said the team would attempt to expedite state licensing once the village granted local permission. “Our landlord has been very generous, and lenient with us, but that is coming to an end,” Colin said, describing rent that exceeds $10,000 per month and the need to resume business.

Trustees discussed a proposed ordinance amendment requiring licensees to maintain a safe, unobstructed route from the restaurant entrance through the village-owned alley to Second Street, and to refrain from obstructing the public way with signage or equipment without written village approval. Trustee comments emphasized that Portasino represents a restaurant focused on food service and that the business must respect neighboring walkways; Portasino representatives said the operation will prioritize food over alcohol sales.

Trustees then moved to approve the ordinance with the attached alleyway maintenance conditions and to waive the reading. A roll-call vote passed the ordinance.

Ending: The license will still require state-level approval before liquor may be served; trustees said they expect the restaurant to work with village staff and state agencies to finalize all permits before opening.