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Liquor Commission adds Class A license for Papa Saverio’s and approves video-gaming; Bowl-Hi transfer continued
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Summary
The Liquor Commission amended the code to add a Class A license and issued it to Papa Saverio’s; the Village Board approved Papa Saverio’s video-gaming license and staff will evaluate a grant. The proposed transfer of Bowl-Hi’s license to new owners was tabled to July 13 after questions about past incidents.
The Village of Huntley Liquor Commission on June 22 amended municipal code to create an additional Class A liquor license and approved issuing it to Lagos Pizzeria Inc., which operates Papa Saverio’s Pizzeria at 12070 Princeton Drive. The Commission approved the ordinance subject to the petitioner providing all required Village documentation and proof of a State of Illinois liquor license before the local license becomes effective.
Owners Chris and Jaime Lago told commissioners they have operated the franchise since 2011 and plan to expand the existing carry-out operation into adjacent space for a 42-seat dine-in restaurant and bar. Deputy Village Manager Lisa Armour described plans to place six video-gaming terminals in a screened gaming area; the Board approved the Video Gaming Location License and staff noted applicable screening requirements under Section 110.60 of the Village Code. Armour said anticipated start-up and expansion costs total about $60,000 and the applicant intends to request up to $20,000 through the Small Business Assistance Program; staff will determine eligible expenses and documentation.
On a separate matter, commissioners considered the surrender of a Class A liquor license from Bowl-Hi Lanes Partnership and issuance to new owners Wolf Koukla, LLC (Buffy and Dimitrios Yatos). Commissioners pressed applicant Buffy Yatos about a May 2018 arrest and a January 2023 underage-drinking incident at Bowl-Hi. Ms. Yatos denied blocking officers in 2018, saying, "I did not block police officers from entering my home," and said she has maintained BASSET certification intermittently and plans additional safety measures. Several commissioners said they wanted to see a concrete plan — including ID verification and upgraded security measures — and one commissioner voted against moving forward. The Commission voted 4-1-1 to table the transfer to the July 13 meeting so staff and the applicants can present additional documentation and safety commitments.
The Liquor Commission and Village Board also noted fees connected to gaming and licensing: Class A license fee of $1,500; gaming-location fees of $500 per machine (six machines = $3,000) and a $1,000 terminal operator fee.
Commissioners and staff said they will craft conditions for a new license applicant similar to those applied after the January 2023 incident, including installation of ID scanners, security cameras, and participation in public-safety meetings as appropriate.