St. Charles officials: Taverns better-behaved in 2015

It was a banner year for obedient bar behavior in 2015, according to St. Charles officials who moved to renew all the late-night liquor permits in the city Monday night.

Problems with fights, overserved patrons and public urination plagued the downtown bar scene in recent years. But Police Chief James Keegan told aldermen he believes the city has turned a corner.

"I've been a policeman for a long, long time," Keegan said. "I've been very, very impressed about how St. Charles polices our entertainment district. The incidents are never going to be zero. But what I look for is are the (establishment owners) cooperating with us? Is there a willingness to improve? And are we welcomed into their establishments with open arms?"

Keegan said there are positive answers to all those questions as evidenced by the lack of violations handed down by the liquor control commission in 2015. Only two violations occurred. And only two of the city's 21 businesses with late-night liquor permits (Alibi Bar and Grill and Alley 64) generated double-digit police incidents last year.

The stats show late-night liquor establishments generated 67 total calls to police in 2015. Most of those calls didn't result in any significant police intervention. Police tallied 10 total arrests attributable to activity at the city's taverns. They also issued five tickets for local ordinance violations.

Keegan and aldermen emphasized they want liquor license holders to call police whenever they feel it is necessary. Mayor Ray Rogina said it's that kind of ongoing dialogue that will keep a positive atmosphere in the downtown.

"I'm very happy with the progress we've made here," Rogina said. "I think we're on the right track. We want them to work with (police) in order to make it a fun entertainment experience without the rowdy disturbances."