The owner of popular Downers Grove restaurant Ballydoyle is proposing to open a location in Naperville named "Empire at Ballydoyle" at 48 W. Chicago Ave. But approving the restaurant would require the city to also increase the number of late-night liquor permits from 18 to 19.
Earlier: Naperville Ballydoyle Proposal Puts Spotlight on Downtown Safety, Liquor Permits
While Naperville police said they have curbed downtown incidents as of late, Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall feels the addition of any new bar would be a "tipping point" for the department in terms of enforcement efforts.
We reached out to readers on Facebook to see how they felt about allowing an additional late-night liquor permit for Ballydoyle. Here's what they had to say:
It will benefit residents
It will increase the commercial tax base, easing the burden on homeowners. I don't see how one more downtown bar will have much of an impact on public safety. I read the police blotter all the time, and it isn't like we have drunken bar fights spilling out onto the sidewalks every night. - Bob
a lot of money, both in sales and tips, goes into downtown naperville. go for it - Kelly
If you build it... fights will come
Another place where the 20 something juiceheads can get loaded and fight.Awesome! - Tom
Dont think late hours are needed only brings trouble.
Naperville is a FAMILY TOWN..LETS KEEP THAT FIRST TO MIND BRINGING NEW BUSINESS TO THE TOWN. - Ian
seriously? don't you think there are enough bars downtown? How's the crowd working out over on Jefferson late at night? - Maribeth
Good idea, but not too keen on another late-night permit
I love Ballydoyle...I say yes...but don't like the late night permits..I think they need to close the bars earlier than they do now. - Paula
Like the restaurant idea, concerned about more drunken late night fights. The restaurant owners need to be more proactive, and invest more time & energy into preventing these incidents. And they should all eliminate drink specials, so fewer people overdo it. - Holli
Ballydoyle in Naperville? Go for it!
Give it to them, awesome place awesome food - Genine
Heck yeah! They have a GREAT food menu! - Bernie
Ballydoyle is a class act, and they will have entertainment. They are a local entity, not a corporate outlet. The corporate concerns are the troublemakers. In order to maximize profits, they skimp on security and training for their employees. - Patch commenter Southeast Side
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