Woman Trying to Buy Strip Club Denied Liquor License for Second Time

A woman whose purchase of Blackjacks Gentlemen’s Club was contingent on the approval of a liquor license has promised to appeal the 17-6 Kane County Board vote in opposition, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.

“Deborah Diaz requested a liquor license from the county’s liquor commission, but the county would need to pass an amendment to its code to increase the number of liquor licenses before one is granted,” The Tribune reported. “Blackjacks, located at 7N657 Route 25 between St. Charles and South Elgin, had a liquor license in the past but gave it up after the federal conviction of its owners, Dominic and Anthony Buttitta, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and were sent to federal prison.”

Currently, the club operates as an 18 and older club with no alcohol. The dancers, who must be 18 or older can dance fully nude and patrons as young as 18 can enter the establishment. The club is also open 24 hours a day.

Diaz and Michael J. Peter approached the board as business partners.

If Blackjacks held a liquor license, both dancers and patrons would have to be 21 or older and dancers could only dance topless. The club would also have to have limits on operating hours. Not granting the liquor license will not close the existing 18 or older club.

The Daily Herald reported that Diaz and Peter promised to invest $250,000 in the property.

“The pair estimated their upgraded version of the club, on Route 25 south of Stearns Road in St. Charles Township, would create 200 new jobs and $100,000 a year in new tax money to the county,” the Daily Herald reported. “They also promised to beef up security, renovate the property and pare back the nudity.”

Diaz, who has held a liquor license in the state for 30 years for another establishment was denied a license for Blackjacks when she appeared before the county board two years ago. Back then, she was denied by one vote.

“Following the vote, Diaz and Peter said they will ask for a second hearing before board and/or liquor commission,” The Daily Herald reported. “If that fails, they said, they are prepared to go to court. Diaz just completed a nine year legal battle with Bedford Park regarding the opening of an adult club with a liquor license. The village spent more than $400,000 on the fight and lost.”