02/22/2019
Dear Rogers Park Neighbor, Evidence presented here alleges:
1). Alderman Moore acted in ways so private business, was given unfair preferential treatment, against city municipal code 2-156-005 (a) (5).
Alderman Moore’s unfair preferential treatment to private business, resulted in:
a). Damage to Rogers Park business owners revenue;
b). Damage to employee wages working at Rogers Park businesses;
c). Damage to fair competition among competing businesses in Rogers Park.
d). Alderman Moore partnered with private business to engage in illegal activity against the Illinois Liquor Control Act.
2). Alderman Moore is a public health threat and public safety threat for activity against the Illinois Liquor Control Act 100.280(b) and 5/6-28.
3). Alderman Moore failed to disclose fraud to the appropriate authorities, against city municipal code 2-156-005 (a) (10).
4). Alderman Moores “sets up” and exposes Rogers Park business to damaging liabilities.
The above allegations of wrong and illegal activity has not been proven as fact by authorities having policing powers. Alderman Moore should be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law or by those having authority.
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IMPORTANT DETAILS of ALLEGATIONS:
On about February 1972 – July 2008, one liquor licensed tavern was located on the 6900 block of North Glenwood Avenue (between Morse Ave and north up to the alleyway). A tavern located at 6962 North Glenwood Avenue known as a piano bar (NOT the newly opened Le Piano), an Irish bar, a biker’s bar, “Michael’s Hideaway,” “DJ’s Ranch” and for a few weeks, “Bar None.”
On about 1990 — April 2010, Businesses operating as Morse Chop Suey and later a used furniture store were adjacent and next door to the tavern at 6962 North Glenwood Avenue.
On April 1991, Joe Moore was elected Alderman of the 49th Ward/Rogers Park. Alderman Moore lives and maintains a city government office in Rogers Park.
On about June 2008 the liquor licensed bar known as DJ’s Ranch (briefly known as “Bar None”) was sold. New owners received a liquor license for the single storefront property. Reopened as “The Glenwood Bar”, consisting of a single storefront space, approximately 18-ft wide, approx. 850 square feet of floor space, one single room, one bathroom, bar stool seating for about 30 patrons.
At time of this tavern purchase and transfer of ownership, adjacent and next door to The Glenwood Bar stood a used furniture store.
On about November 2009, The used furniture store adjacent to The Glenwood Bar closed.
On about November 2009 The Glenwood Bar excavated a large opening through the south side brick interior wall into the adjacent, next door two store front properties.
On about November 2009 The Glenwood Bar received a violation for unlawful construction work without a permit, a Stop Work Order until construction plans are submitted and approved, and a Stop Work Order until a building permit has been approved:
On about January 2010, The Glenwood Bar expanded its square footage from approx. 850 square feet to a larger 3,600 square feet.
The Glenwood Bar expanded into the adjacent storefronts...
From a single 18-ft wide room, to two rooms approximately 60-ft wide;
From a tavern having a single bathroom, to having three bathrooms;
From about 28 barstool seating capacity, to approx. 140 seating capacity, and with about 20 new tables.
The Glenwood Bar expansion also added a fireplace, pool table, and dart board.
On about May 2010 The Glenwood Bar allegedly began displaying and serving liquor to the public in the newly expanded bar which occupies two adjacent storefront spaces, plus the original single storefront space. The expansion at the time proved to be successful. Large crowds of patrons came regularly and filled up the entire enlarged 3600 square feet of space.
On about January 2011 Alderman Moore allegedly advertised and held a gathering inside the newly expanded Glenwood Bar and illegally advertised The Glenwood will be providing free liquor against the Illinois Liquor Control Act.
On about September 2012, Alderman Moore allegedly sponsored illegal drinking games on the public way, including illegal beer chugging contests and illegal beer stein holding contests against the Illinois Liquor Control Act.
On about April 2013, According to city records, The Glenwood was found in violation of operating a tavern WITHOUT a liquor license and serving alcohol WITHOUT a liquor license. Soon after, The Glenwood received a city of Chicago Notice of Violation for unlawfully selling liquor without tavern license, with a judgment total of nearly $12,000.00.
On about June 2013 The Glenwood allegedly files an application for a liquor license for the new tavern space located at 6958 N. Glenwood Avenue.
For approximately over three years (January 2010 — June 2013) The Glenwood Bar at 6958 North Glenwood allegedly served liquor without a license, served liquor without paying for license fees, and was serving liquor not having the right to do so.
On about July 2013 As required by city of Chicago law, Alderman Moore and the 24th district police commander were notified in writing, from City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (B.A.C.P.)/liquor commissioner that a NEW liquor license application has been received in their office for The Glenwood Bar.
Simply stated – Chicago municipal code 4-60-040 (g) states NO new liquor license will be granted without first having the alderman and police commander notified as to who is the applicant for the new liquor license and the address where the new liquor license is to located.
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My Fair Comment,
of public importance and public interest:
For about 40 years, a single storefront, one room, 800 square foot tavern has stood at 6962 North Glenwood. Once a piano bar, an Irish bar, a biker bar, Michael’s Hideaway, DJs Ranch, for a few weeks Bar None and now The Glenwood Bar.
Alderman Moore spends a lot of time in and around Rogers Park. He lives here and is an elected official very familiar with and has professional responsibilities in regards to openings and closings of local business.
When a applicant applies for a new liquor license for the purpose of opening or expanding a tavern in Rogers Park, Alderman Moore by Chicago law, is notified who the applicant is and at which address they are seeking a new liquor license. The opening, expansion and closing of business is a “top-of-mind” task and concern for all alderman.
According to city records, The Glenwood Bar expanded and began to illegal serve liquor to the public without a liquor license.
During this time, Alderman Moore advertised and allegedly held a large gathering inside The Glenwood Bar. Upon entering the new Glenwood Bar, Alderman Moore would find the bar has nearly tripled in size - not one storefront, but three... Not one room, but two rooms... Instead of one bathroom, now having three... Not having 2 tables, but about 20 brand new tables... From 28 person capacity - to 140 person capacity. And brand new amenities like a dart board, pool table and fireplace.
Alderman Moore would have concluded The Glenwood Bar is successful in bringing in a lot of patrons and the tavern has expanded in a big way that has NEVER been seen at this location ever.
Alderman Moore could have off-the-record, approached The Glenwood and commented, I’ve driven up and down and have walked up and down Glenwood Avenue for over three decades and I know a tavern has never existed here at 6958-60 North Glenwood Avenue. I do not see a proper liquor license displayed here in your tavern, as required by city law. And I also know you do not have a liquor license for this expanded location because I was NOT notified by the liquor commissioner that you or this address has ever applied for a liquor license.
Alderman Moore could have informed The Glenwood Bar he’ll give them some time, but they better apply and get a liquor license immediately to stop their alleged illegal activity. This way The Glenwood Bar could avoid a violation and financial penalties - If they act now and get proper licensing they could avoid damage to their business revenue. And they would not be stealing customers away from legitimate nearby taverns by illegal serving liquor without that right.
It would be a pro-business plan. A win-win situation:
(1) The Glenwood Bar ceases their alleged illegal activity, goes legit and the city and state gets the revenue they deserve;
(2) Rogers Park gets an improved, bigger, better tavern;
(3) More jobs would come to Rogers Park, thanks to The Glenwood Bar and;
(4) The Glenwood Bar would enjoy higher revenues, bigger profits because they are bigger, better and have special ways at attracting large groups of patrons in through their doorway to buy alcohol, play pool, shoot darts etc. They have ways to guarantee patrons come back a lot.
Instead, Alderman Moore allegedly took NO action. He did not privately work things out with The Glenwood Bar. The Glenwood Bar continued for many years their illegal activity of serving liquor without a license and eventually, years later they were cited and found to be in violation and paid financial penalties for their illegal, wrong activity.
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THE RESULT:
The Glenwood’s revenue was damaged. A judgement of nearly $12,000.00 was levied against them.
ALDERMAN MOORE KNOWINGLY CHOSE TO NOT HELP THE TROUBLED GLENWOOD BAR avoid a violation, the evidence suggests and alleges.
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Alternatively, Alderman Moore would have concluded The Glenwood Bar is operating illegally, and not having the legal right to serve liquor and in doing so is damaging legitimate Rogers Park businesses.
Alderman Moore should have concluded the Glenwood Bar is DAMAGING FAIR COMPETITION amongst competing taverns. That the Glenwood Bar is cheating to gain or take customers away at the expense of other taverns.
Alderman Moore should have concluded the Glenwood Bar is DAMAGING competing taverns REVENUE by bringing in customers into the Glenwood Bar and serving them liquor when they do not have the legal right to do so.
Alderman Moore should have concluded the Glenwood Bar is DAMAGING competing taverns employee WAGES by bringing in customers into the Glenwood Bar and serving them liquor when they do not have the legal right to do so.
If Alderman Moore had a honest desire to build up our business community...
If Alderman Moore was looking out for the best interest of his neighbors...
If Alderman Moore was looking out for the best interest of Rogers Park and Chicago...
If Alderman Moore felt every business owner in Rogers Park should get a fair and even chance at competing in the marketplace...
If Alderman Moore truly has reasonable ethical standards and judgement, now would be a good time to prove it...
If Alderman Moore as a public servant places loyalty to Illinois law...
If Alderman Moore as a public servant places loyalty to Chicago law...
Alderman Moore then would have conducted himself professionally, with good judgement, as by city of Chicago municipal code — and notified the proper authorities, including the liquor commissioner immediately. And seek The Glenwood’s expanded tavern be temporarily shut down, allow them to reopen when they are fully complaint with all licensing requirements, and require them to pay penalties for their alleged illegal activity.
Instead, Alderman Moore allegedly took NO action. He did not work towards holding The Glenwood Bar accountable for their alleged illegal activity. The Glenwood Bar continued for many years their alleged illegal activity of serving liquor without a license and eventually, years later they were cited and found to be in violation and paid financial penalties for their illegal, wrong activity.
Alderman Moore’s acts demonstrate as proof, he has no plan and no sense of professional judgment for uplifting and protecting legitimate hard working Rogers Park business owners and their employees from weaker competing taverns that use alleged illegal tactics to take customers away from other taverns and to unfairly profit at the expense of competing legitimate legally operating taverns.
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THE RESULT:
Alderman Moore allegedly gave unfair preferential treatment to a private business against the city of Chicago municipal code. Competing tavern owners revenue was damaged, competing tavern employees wages were damaged, Fair competition in Rogers Park was damaged.
ALDERMAN MOORE KNOWINGLY CHOSE TO DAMAGE ROGERS PARK BUSINESSES and DAMAGE PERSONS WHO WORK IN ROGERS PARK, the evidence suggests and alleges.
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Instead of distancing himself from The Glenwood Bar, Alderman Moore has partnered with them. Alderman Moore allegedly advertised and sponsored free illegal beer chugging contests and illegal beer stein holding contests on the public way with The Glenwood Bar against the Illinois Liquor Control Act.
Instead of distancing himself from The Glenwood Bar, Alderman Moore has allegedly given preferential treatment to The Glenwood Bar by allowing them to be the sole organizer and producer of the Pride North event. When asked, the reply from Alderman Moore was, “It is and will be their event.”
A business person in Rogers Park, thinks differently than Alderman Moore, “Pride North has grown in size quite a bit. It should be organized by the community and businesses. We should work together to put on PrideNorth.” “The Glenwood Avenue Street Fest is organized by the community.” “PrideNorth exclusively controlled by one person is wrong.”
Another Rogers Park business person wishing to remain anonymous out of fear of retailiation by Alderman Moore stated, “The Glenwood’s shady track record makes them undeserving of any special treatment.” “Alderman Moore can’t be trusted to do what’s right.”
In addition to allegedly serving liquor to the public without the legal right for over three years, The Glenwood Bar has allegedly been cited violations for illegal gambling, illegal drink promotions and failure to cooperate with the police. It is a legal requirement that all liquor licensees cooperate with the police. For example if the police come to a tavern investigating narcotics, you as the business owner and your employees by law are required to cooperate with the police.
I brought up my concern about the gambling at The Glenwood Bar to Alderman Moore, he replied, “gambling, so what.” I asked chief of staff Kevin O’neil what he thought about the gambling at The Glenwood Bar. I cannot publish Kevin O’neil’s comment, but I will say his answer I found as troubling, poor, and unprofessional.
I’ve talked to neighbors about this alleged illegal and unfair business marketplace in Rogers Park and a few neighbors replied... Gambling, in Rogers Park? Great, now I don’t have to go all the way to Indiana to try my luck! A place offering hard to find drink promotions (allegedly illegal) ... that’s my #1 bar. This could explain the large crowds at The Glenwood Bar during this time.
And it could explain why customers are not returning to some other competing bars. And why some competing taverns lost valuable repeat customers, who never returned again, only to be seen later at the Glenwood Bar enjoying illegal incentives. (remember and maybe, MorseLand Bar?)
Alderman Moore your poor judgment and business damaging plans have undermined Rogers Park...
Especially when it involves you choosing to allegedly pass out preferential treatment to private business over serving the public good...
When it involves you not giving needed guidance to troubled business owners, who you know are irresponsible...
When your poor judgement involves you allegedly creating public safety and health threats (like you sponsoring illegal beer chugging contest) instead of watching out for women, children and men....
When it involves you allegedly covering up, turning a blind eye and not doing what is best for Rogers Park, like allowing illegal business to continue to operate without the right to do so...
When it involves you allegedly violating Chicago and Illinois law and policies, such as you illegally advertising “free” liquor.
A picture comes to mind, an image depicting many sad years for Rogers Park.
Alderman Moore your damage to Rogers Park’s reputation, is just one more dent in the side of our car that makes it difficult when it comes time to sell Rogers Park to retail business investors, when it comes time to attract new business to Rogers Park.
Alderman Moore, when a business competes unfairly, illegally, it gives them a cheating advantage that damages competing legitimate businesses. The evidence presented here, and what you did not do or act upon, some will find troubling. Can you please explain these allegations of your wrong activity?
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SUMMARY of ALLEGATIONS:
Alderman Moore has a poor track record for looking out for the best interests of Rogers Park business.
Alderman Moore could have assisted The Glenwood Bar (a troubled business) by working with them and providing advice on the steps they needed to take to AVOID certain violations from the state and city; Alderman Moore allegedly knowingly knew The Glenwood was operating illegally and willfully took NO steps helping The Glenwood Bar, as a result a judgement of $12,000.00 was levied upon The Glenwood Bar.
Alderman Moore could have taken steps to ensure competing taverns revenue was not damaged from the Glenwood Bar’s unfair and illegal business operations; Alderman Moore allegedly knowingly and willfully took NO steps protecting competing taverns from damage to their revenue due to unfair alleged competition from The Glenwood Bar.
Alderman Moore could have taken steps to ensure competing tavern employees wages were not damaged from the Glenwood Bar’s unfair and illegal business operations; Alderman Moore allegedly knowingly and willfully took NO steps protecting competing tavern employee wages from damage due to alleged unfair competition from The Glenwood Bar.
Alderman Moore allegedly advertised illegal “Free” or “Complimentary” liquor on behalf of Rogers Park businesses, exposing them to liabilities, including fines, second offenses could result in license revocation and worse case scenarios could result in business bankruptcy.
Alderman Moore allegedly advertised and sponsored illegal beer chugging contests constituting a public health and public safety threat to Rogers Park; The Illinois Liquor Control Commission takes the matter of drinking games very seriously – people have lost life or been injured participating in these risky contests.
When a private business has preferential treatment it distorts the balance of competition, given them an unfair or illegal advantage; Alderman Moore allegedly knowingly and willfully gave The Glenwood Bar special treatment, allowing them to serve liquor without the legal right to do so for many years.
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RESULTS WE ARE SEEKING:
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Sincerely,
Steve Gerard
Your neighbor
P.S. Today Alderman Moore is allegedly engaged in other wrong and illegal activity UNRELATED to this commentary. I ask neighbors who share a concern for Rogers Park and Chicago, compassion for fellow woman, child and man to come to a community meeting to view evidence of alleged wrongdoing by Alderman Moore. And if you find the evidence satisfactory, you can choose to be part of a affidavit complaint (along with 20-30 other neighbors) seeking an investigation and determination of Alderman Moore’s innocence or guilt by a court of law. Private message us now and R.S.V.P. to secure your place.
NOTICE: Alderman Moore, chief of staff Kevin O’neil, Owners of the Glenwood Bar and past or present employees of The Glenwood Bar are liked and respected by many. This commentary contains allegations and is not evidence of guilt. All persons and businesses mentioned here should be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
