Clementi's, other Arlington Hts. restaurants fined for liquor violations

Clementi's Italian Bistro in Arlington Heights will have its liquor licenses suspended for three days in January as punishment for its third liquor violation, officials said.

The suspension, along with a $2,000 fine, was handed down Monday at the village's annual liquor license hearings, Village Attorney Robin Ward said. Five other village restaurants also were fined.

The violators were caught during a sting operation over the summer in which police sent underage people into the establishments to attempt to purchase alcohol.

Clementi's, 602 W. Northwest Highway, also had violations in 2006 and 2010, Ward said. The restaurant will be able to stay open, but cannot serve liquor for three consecutive days between now and Jan. 31, 2015.

Penang Cuisine Restaurant, 1720 W. Algonquin Road, and Big Shot Piano and Lounge Restaurant, 2 S. Vail Ave., were fined $1,000 and $750, respectively, for their second violations.

Stable Kitchen, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Courtyard by Marriott, 100 W. Algonquin Road, and Burger Baron II, 132 E. Golf Road, were fined $500 each for their first violations, Ward said.

All violators must also pay $300 each for attorney and court reporter fees.

Mayor Tom Hayes, who serves as the village's liquor commissioner, ordered several of the businesses to have their employees go through Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) in person, rather than online.

Walgreens, 3 E. Golf Road, also received a violation, but did not attend its hearing on Monday because of a scheduling error. Ward said their hearing has been rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at village hall. It is the first violation for Walgreens, which received approval to sell liquor at its four Arlington Heights locations earlier this year.