The owners of two Blue Island bars will remain open as owners appeal the city’s revocation of their liquor licenses to the Illinois State Liquor Commission.
Mayor Fred Bilotto, as liquor commissioner, stripped Raven’s Place and The Vault, both in the 1300 block of Western Avenue, of their licenses following a City Liquor Commission hearing regarding a Sept. 17 shooting outside of Raven’s place.
Two people were injured in the shooting, said city administrator Thomas Wogan. The licenses were revoked Oct. 17, he said.
Raymond Thomas, the general manager of both bars, did not return requests for comment.
Under state law, Bilotto said, a liquor establishment is allowed to operate while under appeal. The owners have indicated they intend to reopen both bars this weekend, he said.
“I have instructed our police department to increase patrols around the area. We will continue to keep the community updated as this situation develops,” Bilotto said.