Chocolate Lounge owner asks Dolton trustees for liquor license as residents urge economic boost

A local business owner asked the Village of Dolton trustees to support a liquor license so her event venue can operate on a regular schedule rather than only for occasional events.

Aisha Robinson, owner of the Chocolate Lounge in the mall near Sibley and Woodlawn, said her space has operated as an event and banquet hall since October and that opening only for two or three events a month makes it difficult to cover expenses. She asked trustees for support and invited the public to an open house on March 28 so residents and officials can see the venue.

Several residents and local figures spoke in support. Radio personality Ramoneski Love, who said he owns property in Dolton, praised local entrepreneurs and urged the community to rally around economic development. Another resident urged the board to consider whether new evening liquor licenses align with public-safety goals, citing reported fights and break-ins near existing clubs.

The mayor told the board that, during the prior campaign, some residents expressed concern that Dolton had too many night venues. For that reason, the administration had intended to avoid issuing new evening bar licenses, though sit-down restaurants with meals and limited wine remain a different category. He encouraged residents to attend the Lounge's open house and promised to take community feedback into account before any licensing decision.

No application decision or vote was recorded at the meeting.