Representatives from a new multicultural restaurant, banquet, entertainment and convention center under construction in Naperville must detail their security protocols before the city’s Liquor Commission will sign off on any alcohol license, members of the advisory panel say.
The commission this week tabled a vote until May 5 on the three liquor licenses requested by principal partner Madan Kulkarni of The Matrix Club banquet hall and The Matrix Room restaurant at 808 S. Route 59, which is scheduled to open this summer.
Mayor Steve Chirico said the success of the new venue is important, and “I just want to make sure we get it right.”
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Besides written plans that address security inside and outside, commissioners said they’d like to see lists of upcoming events, artists the facility will feature, rules for where alcohol is being served, and the backup strategy should the security personnel hired by the music promoter not show up to work the event.
Kulkarni said the person handling Matrix security starts the first week of May and will work with Naperville police to assure safety at larger event.
Commissioner Mitch Stauffer said he was reluctant to take any action because he needed more information and wanted to tour the venue first. “I am not on board yet,” Stauffer said.
A restaurant and tavern license is needed for The Matrix Room, a 4,500-square-foot international fusion restaurant, bar and music lounge with seating for 220. Kulkarni also is seeking accompanying permits for live entertainment and liquor service past 11 p.m.
Two other licenses would be necessary for the 20,500 square-foot convention space that can be configured for weddings, banquets, social events and live music and theater performances.
One of those licenses would be for liquor service at catered events, and the other for alcohol served at live music and theatrical performances when food is not served.
Banquet and convention venue will seat up to 1,200 people for gatherings with tables and up to 2,000 for concerts.
Commissioners questioned Kulkarni about how security would be addressed, particularly during and after the concerts.
Stauffer said what he doesn’t want is the venue to become nightclub with a DJ for young adults in their early 20s.
“Naperville is a family-oriented community, and I want to keep it like that,” Stauffer said.
Kulkarni estimated 80% of his business in the convention space would be from weddings, style shows, and social and corporate events, with the remaining 20% from concert by pop stars and bands from around the world.
On top of a theater license, which only allows for the sale of beer and wine, Kulkarni is asking for a permit to add spirits.
Commissioner Joe Vozar questioned if giving permission to The Matrix Club would mean the other two venues with theater licenses — Wentz Concert Hall on the North Central College campus and Center Stage Theater on Quincy Avenue — would request the same.
Commissioners also bristled at the request to offer bottle service, which involves providing customers with an open bottle of spirits with glasses and mixers for self-service at tables and in VIP areas.
Kulkarni said open bottles at the table is not necessary for all events.
“What we’re requesting is only for specific events, if they will be given permission for this for people who are insistent on the bottle service,” such as at Greek concerts, Kulkarni said.
“I think we do everything in our capacity to make sure that there is adequate supervision,” he added.
Bottle service is not allowed under the liquor code and would require approval by the Naperville City Council on top of a recommendation of the Liquor Commission.
Commissioner Scott Wehrli said allowing customers pour what they want to who they want takes control out of the hands of the venue and the city.
His other concern was that if Naperville granted permission for table bottle service to The Matrix, the city could expect to see a “line out the door” of establishments making the same request.
Commissioner Kimberly White said a tour provided her a better perspective of the venue, and White and Christine Jeffries, president of the Naperville Development Partnership, urged other commission members to visit too.
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“This place is so high end, it’s beyond belief,” Jeffries said. “This is the most amazing venue we’ve ever had the city.”