A Go Fund Me campaign titled “Save Carol’s Pub” has been launched to aid the 43-year-old late-night honky tonk bar, which closed last month and has had its state liquor license revoked, according to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 40 donations totaling $630 had been raised toward a goal of $55,000.
“Carol’s Pub has been around since 1973 when it was known as Pam’s Playhouse,” reads the Go Fund Me page, set up by a friend of pub owner Carol Harris. “Since then, it has been a staple in the community for Country/Western music, reasonably priced beverages, late night fun, and has been known to be a matchmakers pocket.
“The owner has gone out of her way to help people … in the community against the well being of her own business. The late night (open till 4/5am) atmosphere would be lost forever if the establishment can’t be reopened. We gracefully ask for donations to help save this diamond in the rough and help keep Uptown alive, both for regulars and first timers alike. Help spread the word!”
The page does not specify what the $55,000 will be used for, as regards to saving the pub. On Tuesday, Harris said a state liquor control commission official told her the state license would be reinstated if she paid $51,000 in back sales taxes, based on an audit of the business for 2011, 2012 and 2013.
“I don’t have the money,” said Harris.
Carol’s Pub, 4659 N. Clark St., also had a federal tax lien filed against it earlier this year for $8,315, Cook County property records show. (The IRS defines a tax lien as “the government’s legal claim against your property when you neglect or fail to pay a tax debt.”)
Carol’s Pub went dark in September, posting Sept. 23 on its Facebook page that it would “remain closed until further notice.” On Sept. 30, the page posted an item that began, “It is indeed sad that Carol’s has closed!” But a comment reads: “From the mouth of Carol herself…. Carol’s Pub is not ‘officially’ closed. We are setting up a fundraiser. More details to come, as soon as I hear anything I will post it. Hang in there folks, ‘last call’ has not been given !!!!!!”
What’s next for Carol’s Pub?
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“I don’t know,” Harris replied. She asks people considering a contribution to the Go Fund Me page to make one.
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