Palatine's Idol's likely to lose its liquor license

Idol's Sports Bar and Grill a late-night hot spot in Palatine that's been plagued over the years by numerous violations and police visits will likely close its doors barring a sudden opening in a Lake County judge's schedule.

Palatine's Local Liquor Control Commission unanimously ruled Monday against giving owner Michael Koumandarakis a 30-day extension to get his felony conviction overturned, thus keeping his liquor license.

The commission in June granted the 48-year-old Lake Barrington man until Nov. 23 to get his post-conviction petition heard, but his next court date isn't until Dec. 2. Attorney William Mantas said the judge overseeing the case is a “backup judge,” making scheduling difficult.

“More than is normal was done to speed to process,” Koumandarakis' attorney, William Mantas, said. “We just haven't had our day in court as hard as we've tried.”

Idol's, located at Rand and Dundee roads, was established in 1994.

In March, Koumandarakis was found guilty of misdemeanor battery and felony criminal damage to property exceeding $300 after he invited some people over to his home who were involved in a dispute with his son. Records say he ran to their car with a walking stick, busting out windows and breaking off the rear view mirror.

He was originally charged with felony aggravated battery, but the judge convicted him of the lesser misdemeanor charge, records show. He was sentenced to 18 months probation and must pay $1,000 and complete 125 hours public service.

Village ordinance prevents felons from holding a liquor license. It's not transferrable, so an owner would have to apply for a new license if Koumandarakis sold his business.

Palatine Councilman Jack Wagner, chairman of the liquor commission, said the bar's history of violations and encounters with police had nothing to do with the decision not to give Koumandarakis more time. The village has claimed Idol's failed to comply with a 2002 order outlining a number of conditions to keeping its license due to dozens of earlier violations, such as employees drinking with patrons.

Instead, the panel agreed with village attorney Patrick Brankin that the commission's June order, which revoked the liquor license unless the conviction was overturned by Nov. 23, gave the owner sufficient time. The order also specified that the parties would not seek extensions, recognizing the court may not hear Koumandarakis' petition in time.

“There's employees and it's holiday time and I feel bad for them, but the law's pretty specific,” Wagner said.