Will one additional late-night liquor permit be a tipping point in terms of safety for downtown Naperville?
Earlier: Naperville Ballydoyle Proposal Puts Spotlight on Downtown Safety, Liquor Permits
Naperville City Council members are set to face a difficult decision Tuesday night when they vote on an ordinance which would increase the number of late-night permits from 18 to 19.
The additional permit would put the owner of Downers Grove restaurant Ballydoyle one step closer to opening a location in Naperville named "Empire at Ballydoyle" at 48 W. Chicago Ave.
Similar to its three suburban locations, the proposed family-friendly Empire at Ballydoyle would offer burgers, craft beer, rooftop seating and live music.
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While Naperville police said they have curbed downtown incidents as of late, Police Chief Bob Marshall said last month that the addition of any new bar would be a "tipping point" for the department in terms of enforcement efforts.
Downtown safety concerns took center stage early last year after an elementary school teacher was stabbed to death at Frankie's Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., a few doors down from the proposed Empire location.
After a number of incidents, including a brawl in October, city officials temporarily suspended BlackFinn American Saloon's late-night liquor permit for three days in November. The bar was also fined $1,000.
The number of late-night fights, incidents and underage drinking violations in the area escalated after the stabbing, but police have since taken a proactive approach and increased patrol downtown.
If another late-night downtown liquor permit were to be approved, police said they would have to hire additional officers or reduce city-wide patrol during late night weekend hours.
Naperville Patch readers seem to be in favor of allowing an additional late-night permit. In a Patch poll, 67 percent of readers said the city should increase the number of permits to accommodate Ballydoyle.
However, other readers are concerned that another late-night permit will lead to late-night trouble.
"seriously? don't you think there are enough bars downtown? How's the crowd working out over on Jefferson late at night?" Patch reader Maribeth wrote on Patch's Facebook page.
Readers React: Late-Night Liquor Permit for Ballydoyle?
The proposed Empire restaurant would occupy the former Rosebud Italian Restaurant site, which was severely damaged due to a fire in 2010. Ballydoyle said it would extensively renovate the building.
Tuesday night's City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center.