Pour Decisions, Beyond Taste Faces Challenges After Alton Revokes Late-Night Liquor License

Alton Business Faces Sudden License Revocation

Alton, a city known for its vibrant downtown scene, is now grappling with the sudden revocation of a late-night liquor license for Pour Decisions, a popular establishment on State Street. The decision, made by Mayor David Goins, has left business owner Stacey Roach in shock and uncertainty.

Roach, who co-owns Pour Decisions with Brian Trust, received a letter from the Alton Police Department on Monday, informing her that the late-night liquor license allowing the bar to stay open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays had been revoked. This move affects not only Pour Decisions but also another local business, Hiram’s, which also lost its late-night permit.

Roach described the situation as a nightmare, highlighting how the late-night hours had become a crucial part of her business model. She explained that 75% of the profits come from the 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. window, a detail she had previously shared with city officials. Despite her willingness to close earlier if all downtown bars agreed, the lack of consensus led her to maintain the late-night hours.

The revocation has forced Pour Decisions to cancel several events planned for the upcoming weekend, including those tied to the A-Tilla Fest. This decision has resulted in significant financial losses, as the bar had already booked several events for the upstairs VIP lounge. Roach expressed uncertainty about the future of the business, stating, “I don’t know what the plan is. I don’t know if we’ll sell. We will have to see what happens.”

Impact on Local Businesses

Beyond Taste, a night kitchen located in the back room of Pour Decisions, is also feeling the effects of the license revocation. Owner Chonese Pembrook, who relies heavily on the bar's late-night traffic, has had to lay off two of her three employees. This setback has disrupted her plans to expand into a brick-and-mortar business.

Pembrook, who previously worked as a hospice caretaker, started Beyond Taste in May using a $10,000 donation from a former client. She emphasized the importance of the late-night hours, noting that many customers come in seeking fresh, homemade meals rather than fast food options. “During the late hours, everybody comes in wanting something different from Taco Bell or Jack in the Box,” she said.

The loss of the late-night hours has also affected plans for a special event on July 29, where Pembrook intended to offer a buffet and a back-to-school giveaway. These events are now at risk of being canceled, adding to the growing concerns about the future of both businesses.

City Officials’ Perspective

Mayor Goins and City Council member Martha Pfister announced their intention to eliminate all late-night liquor licenses in Alton within the next month. They argued that this approach would promote a safer and more sustainable downtown environment while providing clear direction to the business community.

Despite the passionate testimonies from Roach and Pembrook during a public hearing on July 14, Goins proceeded with the revocation. Roach, a single mother of four, expressed her struggle with the decision, stating that it will be challenging to figure out the next steps for her business.

The impact of this decision extends beyond the immediate financial losses. It raises questions about the long-term viability of late-night businesses in Alton and the potential ripple effects on the local economy. As both Pour Decisions and Beyond Taste navigate these uncertain times, the community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that balances safety with economic growth.