Committee approves liquor and gaming license for Winters Yakpath in Crystal Lake

The Law and Government Liquor Committee approved a liquor and video‑gaming license application for Winters Yakpath (5714 Illinois Route 31, Crystal Lake) following a short public Q&A about facility layout, hours and compliance.

The applicant, identified in the record as Ike Athens, told the committee he already operates another licensed location and is applying for a second, separately licensed gaming area within the same building. Athens said the building contains three units with the middle unit vacant, providing required separation between the liquor‑sales area and the video‑gaming room.

Committee members pressed Athens about required safeguards. A committee member reminded the applicant of strict state rules on sales to anyone under 21 and on closing hours; Athens said the business opens at 9 a.m. (Monday–Thursday) and closes 1 a.m. (or 2 a.m. if patrons are present on some nights), and that staff are trained to prevent underage sales. Athens also described the facility layout as largely open with a partial dividing wall between sales and gaming areas.

After questions, the committee held a roll‑call vote that returned affirmative votes from members present and approved the license application. A committee member emphasized that the sheriff’s department and county will monitor compliance with age limits and closing‑time rules.

The committee did not record conditions beyond the usual state and county requirements; the applicant was congratulated and invited to proceed with licensing steps.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote.