A business owner’s request for a tavern liquor license classification in Hoffman Estates, which some believe could lead to such businesses’ exemption from the smoking ban, was rejected this week by the Liquor Commission.
A request to create a new license by Kathy and Peter Psik, owners of the Neighborhood Inn, 2322 Hassell Rd., failed to gain support of the three-member panel and will likely fade, officials said.
Kathy Psik said the business is a tavern and should not be classified as a restaurant, even though food is served. Sending patrons outside to smoke creates noise and security problems, she said.
Psik said a majority of customers are smokers and the smoking ban has hurt business.
“Please consider the classification of tavern and an exemption to the smoking ban,” she said. “Let’s give people a choice of entering or not entering a smoking bar.”
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Village President and commission Chairman William McLeod said Thursday: “Neighborhood Inn possibly could ask the full Village Board about the new classification. At this point, it’s dead.”
Hoffman Estates’ smoking ordinance–which bars smoking in public places and within 15 feet of a public entrance–took effect Jan. 2.
Resident Sheryl Keller said she was worried about her son and others being exposed to secondhand smoke from a bar in a bowling alley. “I ask you not to grant a tavern license.”
Resident Robert Steinberg suggested Neighborhood Inn get help from local economic development groups to increase business rather than rely on smokers.