By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – It’s been less than two weeks when indoor dining restrictions were put into place by Governor JB Pritzker. At that time, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner thought it was too much, and said they wouldn’t be cracking down in Bloomington.
Since then, the positivity rate has skyrocketed, COVID cases are increasing, and now he’s looking to crack down.
Several videos circulated the Bloomington/Normal social media-sphere over the weekend featuring large crowds in public places.
“Large numbers of people, packed like sardines into an establishment. They’re dancing and almost nobody has masks. That’s unacceptable,” explained Mayor Renner outside his office Monday.
As the City of Bloomington’s Liquor Commissioner, Renner said he is now seeking a public hearing for at least 5 establishments that garnered complaints.
“This is not just somebody, an establishment that may have served somebody inside when they shouldn’t have. That’s a violation, this is a flagrant violation that’s potentially very dangerous,” said Renner.
Working with the city’s legal team, Renner said he must give 72 hours notice before a hearing could take place. So the earliest the establishments in question could be brought before the liquor board would be Thursday, something Renner is trying to expedite.
“Many people just don’t seem to understand the concept of community. And that’s what’s really really sad and disappointing,” added Renner.
A liquor license revocation might not be the only consequence that looms for businesses in question. City Manager Tim Gleason said Monday during the City Council’s Committee of the Whole Meeting that he had spoken to State’s Attorney Don Knapp about possible charges.
“Bloomington police department has already filed 10 complaints to the McLean County Health Department. [..] We aren’t ruling out criminal charges under the administrative code which is a Class A Misdemeanor,” explained Gleason.
Renner would not say which businesses were facing possible punishment, but several videos posted to Facebook and other social media outlets claim they were taken at ‘Daddio’s’ night club on Main Street. We have reached out to daddio’s, but no one was there when we stopped by, and they have not responded to a message on Facebook.
“When we have something that’s as flagrant as we’ve seen, if this is true. Then it’s really a very serious problem,” added Mayor Renner.
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