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Dear Neighbor:
I am deeply disturbed by the mass shooting that occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday night outside 311 W. Chicago Avenue, which resulted in 18 people shot and four fatalities.
According to preliminary reports, the incident followed a private party hosted at Artis, a recently opened BYOB “restaurant” operating out of the former Hush Lounge space.
Following a similar shooting incident at the former late hour nightclub Hush (at this location) my office and the Chicago Police Department insisted on a summary closure and license revocation. After summary closure was issued, Hush surrendered their late-hour liquor license and closed.
Because there is a moratorium on late-hour liquor licenses that I imposed in the 42nd Ward - a new nightclub could never be licensed or operated at this location.
Video footage and witness accounts confirm that as guests were leaving the venue, a vehicle drove by and opened fire. The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating this horrific act of violence.
Given the serious public safety concerns and clear mismanagement of this event, I am calling on the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to revoke this business license immediately and pursue permanent closure of the establishment.
Despite early assurances from the new restaurant owner that this venue would support local artisans, foster inclusivity, and serve as a hub for connection, creativity, and joy - the owners decided to turn over their venue to promote a new rap album release.
It is clear the new operators were dishonest with the City about their plans for the venue and have now contributed to a devastating act of violence - just weeks after opening as a BYOB “restaurant.”
The Chicago Police Department and my office will be petitioning the Liquor Commissioner and BACP to deny a restaurant license to this operator; institute an immediate summary closure; and ensure this venue never re-opens.
For years, Alderman Waguespack and I have been trying to pass an ordinance that would license and regulate nightclub promoters and the events they host. Countless mass shootings have occurred at clubs that use promoters to bring large crowds to local venues - with the club owners simply handing the keys to the promoters to do as they wish. That is irresponsible and wrong.
This terrible, tragic incident is just the latest reminder that we need real reforms to our liquor licensing process and regulations to finally address this longstanding gap in city code that puts our neighborhoods at risk.
We will continue to work closely with CPD, BACP and the Department of Law to use every enforcement tool available to ensure this business never reopens.
We are praying for the victims and their loved ones as this investigation continues.
Sincerely,
Brendan Reilly
Alderman, 42nd Ward
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