Back taxes may cost Aurora's Roundhouse its liquor license
More than $17,000 in overdue local taxes may cause America's Historic Roundhouse in Aurora to lose its liquor licenses to sell Aurora Amber Ale, Chocolate Beer, Payton Pilsner and other local brews.
Aurora Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Tom Weisner summoned Roundhouse owner Scott Ascher to a hearing to determine whether the Roundhouse's liquor licenses will face suspension, revocation or fees for inadequate and incomplete payments made on liquor taxes and food and beverage taxes.
The hearing, scheduled for Dec. 20, will focus on $17,053 Ascher owes the city from the two taxes in June, July and September, city spokesman Kevin Stahr said. City records show Ascher does not owe any back taxes for August.
“Yes, we do owe some back sales taxes,” Ascher said in an e-mail. “We are currently working with the city to deal with the problem,”
At the hearing, Ascher or his attorney will have the opportunity to dispute the city's claims that Ascher owes back taxes, and present documents that tell their side of the story, Stahr said. Weisner will have five business days to make a ruling and may decide to suspend or revoke the Roundhouse's liquor licenses, or issue a fine.
The Roundhouse holds a Class E liquor license, which allows restaurants to serve alcohol, and a Class G liquor license, which lets restaurants sell packaged beer and wine.
Ascher said the Roundhouse has been in business for more than 15 years, and has paid more than $7 million in state and local taxes during that time.
He said his business has improved the city's appearance by renovating the large, round building near the end of the Metra line on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and has brought the city recognition by winning top honors in the World Beer Cup three times.
The Aurora Liquor Commission regulates more than 400 local businesses that hold liquor licenses.
The commission meets infrequently as needed, Stahr said. The Roundhouse is the only establishment far enough behind in tax payments at this time to warrant a hearing, he said.