Chili’s Grill and Bar in Crystal Lake has lost its liquor license for 21 days because of its second alcohol-related offense in the past three years.

The city’s liquor commission Tuesday also fined the owners $1,500.

Chili’s and Williams Street Tap were both cited by police Sept. 17 after minors who were working with police entered the businesses, attempted to purchase alcohol and were served.

“It’s unfortunate. No one ever means to violate (the liquor ordinance), but it’s there for a reason, to keep our kids safe,” Mayor Aaron Shepley said.

Williams Street Tap was fined $750 and retained its liquor license because it was a first offense.

Besides receiving a citation, violators are required to attend a liquor commission hearing and generally incur a $750 fine for a first offense. With a second violation, the business’ liquor license is suspended for 21 days and a $1,500 fine is imposed. In the case of a third violation, the business’ license is suspended indefinitely and the owners get a $2,500 fine.

Shepley, who also is head of the liquor commission, said using minors to test businesses is a way to strictly enforce the city’s liquor laws.

“Our hope is that no one will take it for granted if they know what the penalty will be,” he said.

Crystal Lake and Illinois State Police conduct compliance checks randomly throughout the year with grant funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The commission last suspended a business’ liquor license during a hearing in July, when La Rosita grocery store was tagged for its third offense in as many years.

lsynett@tribune.com