Machesney Park Liquor Commission recommends licenses for new bar with gaming at former Chuggers Bar

The Machesney Park Liquor Commission on Jan. 21 voted to forward Ordinance 0325 with a positive recommendation to the Feb. 3 Village Board meeting, proposing three liquor licenses and a gaming permit for a new bar at 11700 North Second Street.

Village administrative staff told commissioners that Ordinance 0325 would authorize three licenses at the former Chuggers Bar address and described the proposed operation as a bar with a capacity of up to 49 occupants, an outdoor patio and no more than six gaming machines. “Ordinance 0325 is for the approval of three licenses for a new bar with gaming at 11700 North Second Street in the former Chuggers Bar location,” the staff member said, adding that staff recommended approval subject to conditions the applicant must address before opening.

According to the staff report, the applicant—identified in the packet as John Johnny Shimshidimi—had earlier applied for a Class BB gaming license for the same site but determined he did not meet the Class BB criteria and instead applied for Class A, Class B and Class G licenses. The commission’s motion to recommend Ordinance 0325 carried after the short presentation; the commission chair called for voice vote and commissioners answered, and the motion carried. The ordinance will go to the Feb. 3 Village Board meeting with the commission’s positive recommendation.

Earlier in the meeting commissioners approved the minutes from Nov. 4 on a motion by Trustee Kidd, seconded by Trustee Sykes. There were no public comments at the Liquor Commission meeting and the commission adjourned after the evening’s business.

Votes at a glance: Minutes from Nov. 4 — approved (motion by Trustee Kidd; second Trustee Sykes). Ordinance 0325 — motion to recommend approval carried (mover: Trustee Truckee; second: Trustee Kidd); ordinance to be considered by the Village Board on Feb. 3 with the commission’s positive recommendation.