Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board met June 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Present:

ZBA Members:

Kim Johnsen

Craig Sockwell

Joel Zirkle

Tom Fabiano

Absent:

Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Spencer

Staff:

Scott Capovilla - Planning and Zoning Manager

Jacob Rubin – Assistant City Attorney

Jeremy Carter – Traffic & Development Engineer

Tim Brown – Fire Prevention

Traci Madison- Administrative Assistant

Others:

Kyaton Shanklin - Court Stenographer

Applicants and interested parties

Scott Capovilla, Planning & Zoning Manager, explained the format of the meeting will follow the Boards Rules of Procedure generally outlined as follows:

• The Chair will call the address of the application.

• The Applicant or Representative will come forward and be sworn in.

• The Applicant or representative will present their request to the Board.

• The Board will ask any questions they may have regarding this application.

• The Chairman will then ask if there are any Objectors or Interested Parties. Objectors or Interested Parties are to come forward at that time, be sworn in by the Chairman, and give their name to the Liquor and Tobacco secretary and the court reporter.

• The Objector or Interested Party will state their name and present all their concerns, objections and questions regarding the application.

• The Board will ask any questions they may have of the Objector or Interested Party.

• The Applicant will have an opportunity to rebut the concerns/questions raised by the Objector or Interested Party.

• No further discussion from the Objector or Interested Party will occur after the rebuttal of the Applicant.

• The Board will ask any final questions they may have regarding this application. 

• The Board will then deliberate and a roll call vote taken.

The LTAB meeting is not a final vote on any item. However, it is the only time in which the public may participate. After the LTAB meeting, the item moves on to the Code & Regulation

Committee. Although the public is invited to attend the meeting, public input is not allowed at the committee meeting. The date of the Code & Regulation meeting will be Monday, June 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers (2nd floor of City Hall) as the second vote on these items. The third and final meeting in this process is the City Council. That vote is tentatively scheduled on Monday, July 7, 2025. If the item is laid over at the LTAB meeting, the next meeting is Tuesday, July 15, 2025. If for any reason the item is laid over at the committee level or on the City Council floor, the item is automatically laid over for two (2) weeks.

The meeting was called to order at 7:18 PM.

A MOTION was made by Joel Zirkle to APPROVE the May 20, 2025 meeting minutes. The motion was SECONDED by Craig Sockwell and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0-1 with Tom Fabiano abstaining.

25-LTAB-013 5801 Columbia Parkway

Applicant Diego Cervantes Guzman/Luis Montes-Ceaca/Santos Ocelotl/ ROS V, LLC/ Harrison Marketplace LLC dba Macianos Pizza & Pastaria

Ward 11 Modification of an existing liquor license for 40% stock transfer in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District.

Diego Cervantes was present on behalf of Macianos Pizza & Pastaria. Mr. Cervantes said that the restaurant has been in business for 15 years and has held a liquor license in good standing. The sale of 40% of stock transfer is the reason for this modification request. Mr. Cervantes asked for consideration of approval of this request.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin clarified the stock transfer to be 40%. Attorney Rubin asked if Mr. Cervantes had he received the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval. Mr. Cervantes said no, he had not reviewed. Mr. Cervantes reviewed the conditions of approval and agreed to the conditions.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval.

A MOTION was made by Craig Sockwell to APPROVE a Modification of an existing liquor license for 40% stock transfer in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Joel Zirkle and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor Codes.

3. The sale of liquor by the drink shall be in conjunction with a restaurant.

4. The restaurant shall not have a cover charge, dance floor, any DJs or any live entertainment.

5. The restaurant shall not operate as a nightclub.

6. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

7. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

8. The hours and days of operation for the business shall be Sunday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

9. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license. 

10. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license. 

11. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use.

25-LTAB-014 321 7th Street

Applicant Mahmud Said Zatar / Olivio Deli Market, Inc. dba Olivio Deli Market

Ward 11 The sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a neighborhood deli market and grocery store in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District

The Applicant, Mahmud Zatar, presented on behalf of Olivio Deli Market. Mr. Zatar is requesting to sale tobacco products in conjunction with a deli market and grocery store.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin asked if Mr. Zatar had received the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval. Mr. Zatar answered no. Attorney Rubin read the conditions of approval and asked Mr. Zatar if he agreed. He said yes and agreed.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval.

A MOTION was made by Joel Zirkle to APPROVE the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a neighborhood deli market and grocery store in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Craig Sockwell and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all Applicable Building and Fire Codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Tobacco Codes.

3. Submittal of a revised interior floor plan that shows the location of tobacco products for sale for Staff’s review and approval.

4. The sale of tobacco products shall be limited to the location as shown on the revised interior floor plan.

5. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

6. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

7. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles (50 ml (1.7 ounces) or less) and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

8. The sale of water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited.

9. Hours of operation would be Monday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

10. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license. 

11. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.

12. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use.

25-LTAB-015 519 East State Street

Applicant Paul Sletten / Harvey Wallbangers, LLC dba Harvey Wallbangers 

Ward 2 The sale of liquor by the drink (Class NG-L) and packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) in conjunction with a restaurant, bar and an outdoor seating area in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District

The Applicant, Paul Sletten, presented on behalf of Harvey Wallbangers. Mr. Sletten purchased this property about six weeks ago. He stated the building will keep the same format as a nice neighborhood restaurant similar to the former Irish Rose.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin asked if Mr. Sletten had received the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval. Mr. Sletten answered no. Attorney Rubin read the conditions of approval and asked Mr. Sletten if he agreed. He said yes and agreed.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval.

A MOTION was made by Tom Fabiano to APPROVE the sale of liquor by the drink (Class NG-L) and packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) in conjunction with a restaurant, bar and an outdoor seating area in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Joel Zirkle and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor Codes.

3. Submittal of an interior plan that shows the seating arrangement for the interior of the restaurant, bar and location of packaged liquor for Staff’s review and approval.

4. The sale of liquor by the drink and packaged liquor sales shall be limited to the revised site plan and interior floor plan approved by Staff.

5. The hours of operation will be limited to Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM. 

6. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

7. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

8. The restaurant and outdoor seating area shall not have a cover charge, dance floor or any DJs.

9. The restaurant and outdoor seating area shall not operate as a nightclub.

10. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.

11. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.

12. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use.

25-LTAB-016 620 Market Street

Applicant Tyler Smith / Rue Marche, Inc. dba The Rue Marche 

Ward 2 The sale of liquor by the drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a bar and grill and video gaming terminals in a C-4, Urban Mixed Use Zoning District

The Applicant, Tyler Smith, presented. Mr. Smith said he will be purchasing Rue Marche and is requesting a liquor license. The bar and grill operation will remain the same with a few updates to the menu and the building.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin asked if Mr. Smith had he received the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval. He said yes and agreed. Mr. Smith wanted clarity regarding DJs and if karaoke is the same as a DJ. Attorney Rubin answered no karaoke is not a DJ.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval.

A MOTION was made by Craig Sockwell to APPROVE the sale of liquor by the drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a bar and grill and video gaming terminals in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District The MOTION was SECONDED by Tom Fabiano and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor Codes.

3. The sale of liquor by the drink shall be limited to the interior floor plan Exhibit F, approved by Staff.

4. The hours of operation will be limited to Monday through Friday 4:00PM to 2:00 AM, Saturday 10:00AM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.

5. Submittal of a plan to Staff for review and approval on the improvements for paint on the façade and exterior walls, removal of the bars on the windows, and the replacement and/or removal of the distressed awning cover.

6. Removal of one of the three brand advertising signs on the east wall of the building.

7. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

8. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

9. The bar and grill shall not have a dance floor or any DJs.

10. The bar and grill may only charge a cover if they have live entertainment.

11. The bar and grill shall not operate as a nightclub as defined by the ordinance.

12. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.

13. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.

14. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use.

25-LTAB-017 6905 East State Street

Applicant Doug Banks / Wesley Banks / Tyler Bauscher / Nick Rufenacht / Midwest RT, LLC dba Rusty Taco

Ward 1 The sale of liquor by the drink (Class NGL) in conjunction with a sit-down restaurant in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District

The Applicants, Nick Rufenacht and Tyler Bauscher, presented. Mr. Rufenacht and Mr. Bauscher are business partners and are opening a restaurant called Rusty Taco located at 6905 East State Street. They are looking to obtain a liquor license to sell liquor by the drink.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin asked if Mr. Rufenacht if had he received the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval. He said yes and agreed. However, Mr. Rufenacht is requesting the hours of operation be modified from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm to 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval.

A MOTION was made by Craig Sockwell to APPROVE the sale of liquor by the drink (Class NGL) in conjunction with a sit-down restaurant in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Joel Zirkle and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all Applicable Building and Fire Codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor Codes

3. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

4. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

5. The sale of liquor by the drink shall be limited to the tenant space on the west end cap as per Exhibit F.

6. The hours of operation are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday as per Exhibit G.

7. The sale of liquor by the drink is in conjunction with a sit-down restaurant.

8. The proposed use shall not have a cover charge, dance floor or any DJs

9. The proposed use shall not operate as a nightclub.

10.Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.

11.All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to issuance of the license.

12. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of a liquor license and establishment of use

25-LTAB-018 3118 North Rockton Avenue

Applicant Riteshkumar Patel / Suman Market, Inc. dba Locost Groceries 

Ward 9 The sale of packaged liquor and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a grocery store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District

The Applicant, Riteshkumar Patel, presented. Ms. Patel and her husband are the new owners of this grocery store. The grocery store is already established and they would like to add fresh fruits and vegetables to the inventory. This request is for a liquor license to sell packaged liquor and to sell tobacco.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin asked if Ms. Patel had she received the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval. She said yes and agreed.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval.

A MOTION was made by Tom Fabiano to APPROVE the sale of packaged liquor and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a grocery store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Joel Zirkle and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all Applicable Building and Fire Codes

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor and Tobacco Codes

3. The sale of liquor shall be limited to the interior site plan that was submitted Exhibit F.

4. The hours of operation and days will be limited 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

5. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles (50 ml (1.7 ounces) or less) and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

6. The sale of water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited.

7. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

8. There shall not be temporary exterior signage.

9. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

10. The windows shall not be covered by a film.

11. Submittal of a revised interior floor plan identifying the proposed areas for liquor display and sale for staff’s review and approval.

12. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.

13. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.

14. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use

25-LTAB-019 3523 and 35XX Auburn Street

Applicant Indrasinh Rathod / Central Park Tap, Inc. dba Central Park Tap 

Ward 7 The sale of liquor by the drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a bar and video gaming terminals; and the sale of packaged liquor (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District

Applicant requested to withdraw this application prior to the meeting.

25-LTAB-020 3701 and 3705 Auburn Street

Applicant Obaidah H. El Kassab / RF Food & Liquor, Inc. dba RF Food & Liquor

Ward 7 The sale of packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor and tobacco store in

a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District

The Applicant requested a layover prior to the meeting.

A MOTION was made by Joel Zirkle to LAYOVER the sale of packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor and tobacco store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Craig Sockwell and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

25-LTAB-021 3305 11th Street

Applicant Tapaswi Anugu / Varma Manthena / Rockford Booze Bazaar, LLC dba Liquorland

Ward 6 The sale of packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store in an R-1, Single family Residential Zoning District

The Applicant, Varma Manthena, was present. Mr. Manthena stated he is purchasing this business that is currently in operation and he is requesting a liquor license to sale packaged liquor and sale tobacco products.

Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin asked if Mr. Manthena had he received the staff report, reviewed the conditions of approval and agreed to the conditions. He said yes and agreed. Mr. Manthena requested condition number three be omitted regarding the interior site plan to include the location for the tobacco sale for staff’s review and approval. Attorney Rubin review the interior floor plan that included the location for the tobacco sales and stated staff would have no objection with the removal of this condition.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval

A MOTION was made by Joel Zirkle to APPROVED the sale of packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store in an R-1, Single family Residential Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Tom Fabiano and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor and Tobacco Codes.

3. Submittal of a landscape plan to include additional perimeter landscaping along 11th Street and Lapey Street, concrete curbing around perimeter landscaping, open green space along the south property line and along the front of the building and plant species for Staff’s review and approval.

4. Removal of the non-conforming free-standing sign.

5. Must obtain separate permits for signage and signage must comply with Sign Regulations.

6. The hours of operation will be 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Friday through Saturday, and 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Sunday

7. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

8. The sale of water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited.

9. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

10. There shall not be temporary exterior signage.

11. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

12. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.

13. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.

14. All conditions must be met prior to establishment of use

25-LTAB-022 4307, 4311, 4315, 4317, 43XX, 4417 and 44XX Auburn Street 

Applicant Mahendrakumar R. Patel / Kiaan, Inc. dba Citgo Gas 

Ward 7 The sale of packaged liquor (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District

Attorney Darron Burke presented on behalf of the Applicant. Attorney Burke stated this is an existing gas station business that is changing ownership and he is requesting a new liquor license and tobacco license under a new business name. Attorney Burke stated that he had discussed the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval with the Applicant and the Applicant agreed.

No Objectors or Interested parties were present.

Staff recommendation is for approval

A MOTION was made by Joel Zirkle to APPROVED the sale of packaged liquor sales (Class PKG) and the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store in an R-1, Single family Residential Zoning District. The MOTION was SECONDED by Tom Fabiano and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Approval based on the following conditions:

1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes.

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor and Tobacco Codes

3. Submittal of Parking Lot Permit Application and detailed site for the repair of the parking lot.

4. Must replace/repair the parking lot by October 31, 2025.

5. Must replace dead or removed trees and evergreen shrubs along Auburn Street by August 31, 2025.

6. The sale of tobacco products shall be limited to the submitted plan Exhibit E.

7. The sale of packaged liquor will be from 6:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M., Monday through Saturday and 9:00 A.M. to midnight, on Sunday.

8. There shall be no single serving sales of beer or wine in volumes of 16 oz. or less.

9. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles (50 ml (1.7 ounces) or less) and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

10. The sale of water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited.

11. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.

12. There shall not be temporary exterior signage.

13. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.

14. Submit a property combination form for Staff approval to combine the seven (7) parcels into one (1) parcel.

15. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.

16. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.

17. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use.

With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM.

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