By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Cadillac Jacks in Bloomington is the first business to face the possibility of fines or potentially the loss of its liquor license.
It started over Labor Day weekend when the city said Friday through Sunday Cadillac Jacks wasn’t compliant with COVID-19 rules, not just once, but four separate times.
The business got notices but the liquor commission is considering more. The commission met Thursday to discuss the establishment’s liquor license, but the hearing has been pushed back two weeks.
According to our news partner HOI ABC, the owner has lawyered up. William Bentley wasn’t available to go on camera, but he provided this statement:
“If I may seem defiant and my resistance to comply in some manner, it can be seen as a form of protesting. I will always question whether or not I have to legally comply when someone is forcing what I call guidelines on me. To comment on the Liquor (Commissioner) Tari Renner’s statement to the media as that officers should be cops on steroids and be aggressive in getting establishments in compliance. Is that the image he wants police officers to be perceived as? Haven’t we learned over the last eight months what police aggressiveness does to people? Let’s also not forget how to be kind and understanding especially when someone is asking questions about complying and willing to try. With now knowing what Tari Renner’s tactics we’re going to be probably explains a lot of my concerns as to how I was treated.”
Other business owners in the area said that if a restaurant doesn’t comply, it makes it harder for the rest of them.
“A lot of people don’t buy into this wearing masks thing, and if you aren’t forcing your customers to wear it, you are going to get a share of the business. That just gets people too close together and the possibility for more outbreak to go on, which would force us to get further restrictions,” said co-owner of The Lucca Grill, John Koch.
At the Lucca Grill, workers said the majority of customers have been respectful of the rules.
Over at Maguire’s Bar and Grill, one employee admits it can be a struggle sometimes.
“It’s been really difficult. There are a lot of people that aren’t wanting to follow the rules. It’s kind of up to the guests that are coming in here. It’s their job, not only ours, but for them to wear it,” said Leah Maertens.
Both places are asking the customers to help them stay open by following health rules.
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