Facing gambling and drug case, owner shutters Mundelein bar

The owner of the beleaguered Fuel Bar & Grill in Mundelein surrendered the joint's liquor license Monday rather than face a village hearing regarding gambling and drug charges, officials said.

The move effectively closes the bar, at 330 Townline Road. A message left on the bar's answering machine was not returned Monday.

Owner Nick Asiuras and seven other people were arrested March 12 after a two-month undercover police investigation into drug sales and other activity at the bar.

A bartender, bouncer and a patron each sold drugs to undercover officers during the investigation, authorities said. Additionally, the bar was running illegal beanbag contests for money, police said.

In a list of 20 violations, police also allege:

• A female customer danced topless on the bar and was allowed to remain at Fuel.

• A DJ mixed clips from pornographic movies into videos.

• Underage customers purchased alcoholic beverages.

• Smoking was allowed inside.

It was the second run-in with the law for the Fuel Bar this year. In January, Asiuras was fined $600 by the liquor control commission after two employees were caught selling alcohol to patrons without first undergoing mandatory state training.

Because of the March arrests, Asiuras faced prosecution before the liquor commission, which consists of the village board and mayor.

The commission could've revoked or suspended Fuel's liquor license or denied its renewal. The commission could've fined Asiuras, too.

The case was set to be heard following Monday's village board meeting, and it could've lasted more than one night, Village Administrator John Lobaito said.

Village officials got word late last week that Asiuras was considering relinquishing the license rather than endure the hearing process, Lobaito said.

Monday's moves do not affect the criminal cases against Asiuras or the other defendants, officials said.

Fuel is the latest in a series of bars or restaurants to go belly up at the location, which is west of Route 45 on the village's south side.

Previous operations have included Henry's Grille, the Red Door Tavern and Slammers Sports Grill.

Lobaito called Fuel's demise a double-edged sword.

"We certainly disapprove of the conduct of the owners and the way they managed their business," he said. "But on the other hand, we're losing another business."