Online Staff Report

The City of Rockford Legal Department has announced they have settled the matter of City of Rockford v. San Jose Cultural Center located at 3780 E. State St., Rockford.

The complaint addressed a Nov. 4 incident that began as a confrontation inside San Jose Cultural Center and spilled out of the business. Subsequently, multiple gunshots were fired in the parking lot of the business as well as other locations as vehicles fled the scene. At least two businesses and one residence were struck by bullets.

As a result of the Nov. 4 events, the city immediately suspended the Cultural Center’s liquor license for seven days. In the course of the investigation by the Liquor Commission, it was determined that the terms and conditions of approval of the liquor license issued to San Jose were violated, and the significant level of violence that subsequently erupted on and about the licensed premises was a direct result of the violation.

In addition to the immediate relinquishment of the liquor license issued to San Jose Cultural Center, the parties also agreed to the following terms:

• Liquor License No. ZR-504 issued to the respondent for the premises located at 3780 E. State St. shall be immediately relinquished and become void.

• No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed or sold at the property until such time as a new, valid liquor permit is issued for consumption on the property.

• The respondent shall pay the costs of the court reporter in attendance at the liquor hearing Wednesday, Nov. 14. Said costs shall be no greater than $130 and shall be due within 45 days from the date of entry of the final agreed order.

• The respondent shall pay a fine of $500 within 45 days from the date of entry of the final agreed order.

• No action shall be taken against liquor license Nos. ZR-440 issued for the property located at 3035 N. Rockton Ave. and ZR-375 issued for the property located at 3725 E. State St. as a result of the underlying incident on Nov. 4 at 3780 E. State St. However, nothing in the final agreed order shall be interpreted to waive the complainant’s right to pursue future action against liquor license Nos. ZR-440 and ZR-375 in the event that illegal or disorderly activity occurs on said licensed premises in the future.

The owners of the San Jose Cultural Club have worked cooperatively with the City of Rockford to settle this matter. The Liquor Commission hearing scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Nov. 21, has been canceled.

Posted Nov. 21, 2012