The Des Plaines Theatre has received final approval for a liquor license despite concerns from some aldermen, who feared the entertainment venue might turn into a tavern.

The Class A Liquor License allows the venue to sell alcohol during most hours of the day, but the owner said he has no plans to do that. Aldermen were split 4-4 on the issue, with Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan casting the tie vote that gave approval at the Feb. 20 board meeting.

“He stated that he would not…operate (the theater) as a bar,” Moylan said of the establishment’s owner, Dhitu Bhagwakar. “You have to take him for his word.”

Two weeks prior, aldermen gave the theater initial approval for the liquor permit, but peppered the owner with questions at Monday’s proceeding. Unlike some communities, Des Plaines doesn’t have a specific liquor license for theaters. Since its grand re-opening last November, the theater has been able to sell alcohol at some events using one-day liquor licenses.

Council members asked to limit liquor sales to performances and shows, but were told a new ordinance would need to be created, which could take two to three months, said City Attorney Dave Wiltse.

Ald. Dan Wilson said he enjoyed the theater’s Christmas show, where alcohol was served, but felt he needed more input from residents in the neighborhood before issuing the Class A liquor permit.

“According to the license you’re going to get, anytime you want, you can open the front doors, let people walk in…and it becomes a tavern,” Wilson told Bhagwakar.

Bhagwakar told aldermen it doesn’t make economical sense to have an employee running the bar when shows or events are not being held.

Ald. Mark Walsten pointed out the theater will not just host shows and movies, but after-hour work functions. Bhakwakar added he plans to have some kind of event at the establishment every night.

“As far as I’m concerned, he should have every right to be open when the… liquor license says he should,” Walsten said.