LAKEVIEW — Not one to let a good opportunity go to waste, a 4 a.m. liquor store in Lakeview is taking advantage of a temporary liquor license-related closure with plans to remodel in the interim.
While 1000 Liquors and the adjoining Big City Tap bar will be closed through Sept. 25 as part of an agreement with the Liquor Control Commission, the business is promoting the closure as a necessary measure for upgrades to its interior.
The business closed Sept. 5 to serve a 14-day suspension for a decade-old issue of failing to notify the Liquor License Commission of unspecified activity, according to a spokeswoman from Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Afterward, it will remain closed for another seven days after a Chicago Police vice squad found Big City Tap was over capacity during a recent check, said Chris Jessup, who oversees public safety for Ald. Tom Tunney (44th).
1000 Liquors promises a grand reopening party set for Sept. 26 after agreeing to close for liquor code violations. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
But the business pledged to welcome back customers Sept. 26 with a reopening patron party.
"After 38 years, some upgrades will be underway to serve you better," the business wrote on its marquee. It also declared that while it was temporarily closed, it was "still awesome" and "becoming awesomer."
Neighbors have taken umbrage to the late-night hours of 1000 Liquors, which stays open until 5 a.m. on Saturdays. Near the corner of Belmont and Sheffield, the Belmont "L" station and 4 a.m. bar Berlin also draw crowds into the early hours during weekends.
While 1000 Liquors and Big City Tap voluntarily closed due to liquor license violations, the businesses promoted upgrades that will take place in the interim. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
Recently, some neighbors have considered circulating a petition with the hopes of forcing the liquor store to close earlier in the night. Residents say large groups congregate at the corner and create an unsafe environment.
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