McLean County Times

A Twin-Cities restaurant was ordered to pay approximately $4,200 for reportedly violating Illinois' in-door dining regulations during COVID-19.

Joe's Station House and Pizza Pub at The Shoppes of College Hills on Veterans Parkway received a $1,750 fine and will also need to pay $2,420 for the hearing officer and court reporter for his case.

The business will also have to pay back the cost of its regular liquor license, which was originally waived by the town for establishments that obey the COVID-19 orders. By violating the COVID-19 restrictions, the business is no longer eligible for a liquor license fee waiver.

Acting in its capacity as the town's liquor commission, the Normal Town Council voted 5-2 and affirmed hearing officer Todd Greenburg's recommendation for the fine, Heart of Illinois ABC reported in February.

Commissioners Karyn Smith and Kevin McCarthy voted in the majority in favor of the fines.

Smith alleged Joe's owners felt they were above the law, and McCarthy said the action was fair to the other liquor businesses that obey the guidelines, Heart of Illinois ABC reported.

Commissioners Stan Nord and Scott Preston were the two members that voted against the fine.

Nord said that the decision could hurt the town's relationship with businesses and turn away potential companies in favor of municipalities with less restrictive regulations, Heart of Illinois ABC reported.

Preston said that he voted no because the establishment did not do anything that directly violated the town's liquor code and that it should be the state government's responsibility to enforce the governor's COVID-19 orders, Heart of Illinois ABC reported.

Thomas DeVore, attorney for the restaurant, said that Joe's might appeal the decision to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and possibly sue the town, Heart of Illinois ABC reported.

The business violated Pritzker's executive order late last year by serving customers indoors three times.