Committee sends banquet-hall Class E liquor-license for 555 West Avenue to full city council

The Kankakee City License & Franchise Committee voted to forward a recommendation to city council for a Class E banquet-hall liquor license for 555 West Avenue, the former Sully's building in the 5th Ward. The committee action was taken after applicant Linda Ramirez described plans for private, ticketed or rental events and said required inspections had been completed.

Ramirez told the committee she has passed fire and building inspections and has been working with the health department on kitchen permits. "There will be as much as possible security I can control," she said, adding that the venue would use hired off-duty police officers for security and would operate primarily on weekends. Ramirez said the business will initially keep the kitchen closed, allow outside caterers, and host events mainly on the first floor with an estimated capacity of about 300 people.

Committee members asked about accessibility, past events and city interactions. One alderman commended Ramirez for investing in the property and noted accessible bathrooms and other code items were in place for first-floor use. Ramirez confirmed she owns the property, has paid taxes on it for five years and lives locally.

Alderman [Navarro] moved to forward the application to full council with the condition that background checks and paperwork come back in order; Alderman Talley seconded. The committee voted in favor: Navarro, Jones, Barron, Talley and Johnson voted aye; Alderman Marzak abstained due to a potential conflict of interest. Alderman Prude was absent. The Chair said he will notify city staff that the item passed committee and that the mayor's office staff will finalize paperwork.

The council-level hearing will occur only after city staff complete the background checks and documentation; the committee made no change to license class or conditions beyond recommending it move forward.