Local
St. Charles Ordinance Forces Two Bars To Close By Independence Day
By Mike Thomas
Jun 30, 2008 - 7:43:17 PM

A St. Charles ordinance will force two bars in the city to close by Independence Day.

The Main St. Bistro and The Lounge, will both be forced to close because of a city ordinance requiring bars to have at least half of their annual income from food or $200,000 in food sales. The ordinance was passed in 1995 and many say it was rarely enforced until recently.   The owner of the bistro, Daniel Byrd says he was granted two liquor licenses without a kitchen.   But, in January, the St. Charles City Council strengthened the ordinance and notified bars on North Main Street that the law would be enforced over growing concerns about rowdy crowds.

Patrons of Main Street Bistro and The Lounge, protested in front of St. Charles City Hall Monday morning. They said St. Charles City Government was closing both businesses because when they first opened, no one talked about food.   St. Charles City council member Larry Mench said the city needs to accommodate businesses if mistakes were made with liquor licenses.

Byrd and the owner of The Lounge have lawsuits pending against St.Charles but a trial date has not been set.