Liquor store must open or relinquish license, owner told

By MARCIA NELESEN ( Contact )   Friday, Feb. 29, 2008
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The Super Beer Depot at 1621 W. Court St. has been broken into several times. The store has been closed since last year, but the shelves are still stocked with liquor and beer, making it a prime target.

The Super Beer Depot at 1621 W. Court St. has been broken into several times. The store has been closed since last year, but the shelves are still stocked with liquor and beer, making it a prime target.

— The city wants the owner of the Super Beer Depot to relinquish his liquor license or reopen his liquor store after seven burglaries since January at 1621 W. Court St.

Police also have responded to insecure building and suspicious activity complaints at the business, Deputy Chief Steve Kopp said.

“There are some building security issues,” Kopp said.

“The building has become an attractive nuisance and is a target for burglaries due to the alcohol inventory still on the premises,” Kopp wrote in a letter earlier this year to owner Kirit Sura.

After the last burglary, city workers secured the door, and the owner will be billed.

Sura was asked to appear before the Alcohol License Advisory Committee in February because it appeared Sura had abandoned his license. A license is considered abandoned if it isn’t used for 90 days. Still, the council must hold a revocation hearing to get the license back if it is not voluntarily relinquished.

“We needed him to tell the ALAC what his intentions were,” Kopp said.

“He said because of his health issue and the fact he has no functioning furnace in the building, he can’t come and work there until the weather warms up.”

The ALAC asked Sura to return at its Tuesday meeting to report on his progress to either open or close the business.

“The place is just sitting there,” said Paul Williams, chairman. “Something needs to be done … Either sell the place or open it up or do something.”

Sura told ALAC members that he had not opened the store since September.

“We actually believe it’s been considerably longer than that since it’s been a viable business,” Kopp said.

Sura said he traveled to his native country, which Kopp believes is India, and became ill. He was gone longer than he anticipated and missed renewing his liquor license in June.

A license was issued in fall after he returned, but Sura never reopened the store.

Kopp said he believes Sura is the sole employee. Sura lives in Crystal Lake, Ill.

Williams had asked whether the city could apply its new nuisance ordinance to require Sura to pay for police calls.

The ordinance only applies to residences, Kopp said.







reader COMMENTS (57)
gazettefan
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:34 p.m.
Suggest removal

Who's been talking about garyprimer's gramma?

evansvillehousewife
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:26 p.m.
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Garyprimer wrote:And leave my gramma out of this.

You owe me some windex and qtips. I just spewed Peet's coffee all over my Blackberry.

gazettefan
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:10 p.m.
Suggest removal

I was a relatively innocent victim of the Tuesday Morning Massacre.

gazettefan
Mar 6, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
Suggest removal

tdacquisto, one of my posts was removed here, but I made no ethnic slur. I wouldn't do anything like that. I only gave justintimberlakerules a light-hearted jab (at username) for outright insulting two other bloggers here.

melstew47
Mar 5, 2008 at 12:18 a.m.
Suggest removal

i was not aware of the licensing issue my bad, so the city should board it up, and send him the bill,for the safety of that neighborhood.

wisconsinheat
Mar 4, 2008 at 11:50 p.m.
Suggest removal

From the above article: "A license is considered abandoned if it isn’t used for 90 days."
.
Sounds to me like the license is history at that place.
.
What is the legal precedent for the city to "board it up for him and send him the bill."?

melstew47
Mar 4, 2008 at 11:33 p.m.
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first of all its his license and his building. he shouldnt be ordered to do anything. the place does present a serious problem, especially for those whom live near there. the city should ask this person to remove his inventory and board up the building for the safety of the neighbors surrounding that business, and if he chooses to disagree, the city should board it up for him and send him the bill.

Nina
Mar 4, 2008 at 8:07 p.m.
Suggest removal

I agree with the previous posters regarding that this business needs to be shut down. I live in the area and have been one to call the police when I saw an attempted break-in. The last thing I want in my neighborhood is a crime magnet...hit the closed liquor store and some of the houses on their way out of the neighborhood! It should be required to be up to code to maintain its inventory for SO long on the premises. It's an eyesore to boot! (though technically there is no law against bad taste...)

foofoogrl
Mar 4, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.
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Well said MIKKI...tattle tattles...But should we expect anything less, that is after all what our world has become. You don't like something someone did or said, scream discrimination. ((shaking head))

dub190
Mar 4, 2008 at 5:24 p.m.
Suggest removal

I stand by my opinion. As do all of you. The owners of these slummy gas stations are stereotyping themselves.
The whole country can insult and degrade our president, but a few people don't like shabby business owners, who sell crummy, old products, are "ignorant fools". I'm sorry if anyone's feelings were hurt, but grow up for Christ's Sake!

garyprimer
Mar 4, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.
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And leave my gramma out of this.

Mikki
Mar 4, 2008 at 12:39 p.m.
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It's getting like you can't say anything on any subject now, or someone is going to go crying that it offends them.
People have opinions. Maybe they are offensive to some, but different opinions make the world go around.
I guess that instead of just reading a post, shaking your head at the ignorance, you just have to 'tattle'.

justintimberlakerules
Mar 4, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.
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Yes editor, thank you very much for removing those comments. There is always a line and foofoogrl definitely crossed it.

foofoogrl
Mar 4, 2008 at 10:49 a.m.
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Tom D'Acquisto....one comment that I wrote that was removed (which I have no idea why) also stated that I remember what that store along with others these people have taken over used to be like, and they were nice businesses. It's too bad that our society allows businesses to be run in such a manner, it really encourages crime as far as I am concerned. In more ways than robbery.

tdacquisto
Mar 4, 2008 at 10:31 a.m.
Suggest removal

I grew up in that store, as my family owned it for many years, so it's sad for me to see how run down it's become.

Sad also is seeing how many comments have been removed from the Gazette staff because of what is undoubtedly slurs against the owner's ethicity.

Tom D'Acquisto
Hayward, CA

foofoogrl
Mar 4, 2008 at 9:28 a.m.
Suggest removal

Thank you editor for removing the insults on here. There really was no need for them. GazetteFan...I agree with you, they should just close up the liquor store. There is no good coming from it sitting there vacant. With the ethnicity aside, any owner who cannot run a business up to code, should not be in business. No matter their origin. And this is just encouraging crime, and Janesville doesn't need anymore crime, it has enough as it is.

gazettefan
Mar 4, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.
Suggest removal

For the public good, the liquor store should be boarded up.

gazettefan
Mar 4, 2008 at 8:55 a.m.
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Wow!!! This might become known as the Tuesday Morning Slaughter!!! :)

justintimberlakerules
Mar 4, 2008 at 8:24 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
foofoogrl
Mar 4, 2008 at 7:51 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
gazettefan
Mar 3, 2008 at 9:21 p.m.
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Well at least you have a sense of humor.

justintimberlakerules
Mar 3, 2008 at 9:06 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
gazettefan
Mar 3, 2008 at 8:56 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
justintimberlakerules
Mar 3, 2008 at 8:19 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
foofoogrl
Mar 3, 2008 at 7:40 p.m.
Suggest removal

Hannah...I have heard the same thing, for years. I am sure there is more to what we hear, but I think the jest of it, is that they do get breaks of some type. And just ignore people who pick on you.....I am learning to do that, there are alot of perfect people on here who don't believe that opposition is allowed.

hannah
Mar 3, 2008 at 7:39 p.m.
Suggest removal

yes jtlis- if your talking about me- english isnt my best subject.

thanks gazettefan- kettle-black

but the imigrants that come here to work- do you have a problem with them not knowing their grammar too or any english?

foofoogrl
Mar 3, 2008 at 7:37 p.m.
Suggest removal

Gazettefan...I don't think I used profanity, maybe, but I try hard not too. Maybe I came off as offensive to someone again. It is so frustrating on here how people are so angry at all other posters. I came on here with the hopes of having good natured debates. But people on here are so quick to call others racists or ignorant or pick on them because they can't type WELL. It is so saddening that most of the posters are here to make others feel bad. Just sad.

gazettefan
Mar 3, 2008 at 7:22 p.m.
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jtis, I think you mean GRAMMAR.

jtlis
Mar 3, 2008 at 7:11 p.m.
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Speak english anyone? Sounds like you could use a little education in grammer.

hannah
Mar 3, 2008 at 5:42 p.m.
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sorry that is what I have heard they some people from other countries dont have to pay taxes. looks like i wasnt the only one hear that thought that either. and no i wasnt joking.
the gov is very strange so why wouldnt i believe it!!!

ie peole trying to get free medical care to people that are not us citazens

gazettefan
Mar 3, 2008 at 5:33 p.m.
Suggest removal

foofoogrl, probably libel or profanity. What did you say?

foofoogrl
Mar 3, 2008 at 5:28 p.m.
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hmmm..wonder why my comment was removed????

gazettefan
Mar 3, 2008 at 5:13 p.m.
Suggest removal

MikeF, I hear ya on the booze.

Can't believe the burglaries were done by stoners. It'd be too freaky-deaky for them.

The owner's probably been staying home in Illinois and enjoying the smoking ban in bars there.

momof1
Mar 3, 2008 at 4:43 p.m.
Suggest removal

Dub190- You don't like it, shop somewhere else. It will be good for everyone involved, I am sure they don't want you in their store anyway, with your attitude. Last time I checked, this is America. Land of the FREE. They are FREE to do what they want as AMERICANS! Get over yourself. It makes me sick to my stomach.

dub190
Mar 3, 2008 at 4 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
justintimberlakerules
Mar 3, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.
Suggest removal

Hannah - That was a joke, right? I didn't think anyone was stupid enough to actually believe that they wouldn't have to pay taxes.

Hey, I got this email from Bill Gates that actually pays me money for forwarding it to everyone in my contacts. I'll forward it to you too so you can get as filthy rich as I am.

foofoogrl
Mar 3, 2008 at 2:35 p.m.
Suggest removal

WIHEAT...sounds like you should be the leader of the missionaries.

wisconsinheat
Mar 3, 2008 at 2:31 p.m.
Suggest removal

foofoo, this link is for you too.
.

http://www.snopes.com/business/taxes/imm......

foofoogrl
Mar 3, 2008 at 2:27 p.m.
Suggest removal

The United States is not a church....as we have made explicitly clear by removing God from any and all universally known dictations etc. So, not all are welcome. Period.

foofoogrl
Mar 3, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
wisconsinheat
Mar 3, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.
Suggest removal

hannah, this link is for you.
.
http://www.snopes.com/business/taxes/imm...

hannah
Mar 3, 2008 at 1:43 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
MikeF
Mar 3, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
Suggest removal

Seabee- Yes, I take issue with 7 burglaries in the last 2 months. Think about it...a fully stocked, closed liquor store has been broken into 7 times and there is still stock on the shelves? What has this town come too? I mean really! If you are going to take the time and risk to break into a place, at least rob it correctly! Make it worth your time and effort! Some people are just not taking their role seriously anymore. Guess this is just another sign of a lazy society.

marymac4
Mar 3, 2008 at 1:11 p.m.
Suggest removal

Geeze another business not kept up or opened I live near there and it is an eyesore. why would you need to be a resident of Wis to abide by our laws if you own a business you SHOULD have to abide by state laws. Lets all move to Il and let our businesses deteriorate, I hope he is up to date on his WIS taxes or is he one of those that dont have to pay and can turn it over to family when time lapses and he must pay. Resident or not he must be held liable for the trouble his place is causing If JPD cant recoupe the losses then let the burglars have at it.

wisconsinheat
Mar 2, 2008 at 10:56 p.m.
Suggest removal

mytake4u says,
"i encourage all people to boycott businesses owned by forieners and shop only at local owned businesses."
.
Apparently mytake4u doesn't realize that thanks to George W. Bush, the U.S. is owned by China. Are they not foreigners?

bears54fan4life
Mar 2, 2008 at 10:44 p.m.
Suggest removal

what mytake4u said is not racism, he clearly stated an educated opinion, that some people seem to have a problem with so they interpret it as racism, same things are done with statements about immigration, one person says we should not allow illegal immigrants into our country then that person is called a racist, grow up if you don't agree say something intelligent back don't jump to the conclusion that that person is a racist

wisconsinheat
Mar 2, 2008 at 10:20 p.m.
Suggest removal

What's your point Seabee?

jtmek
Mar 2, 2008 at 10:17 p.m.
Suggest removal

mytake4u, what you said is racism. I am proud of all people who serve our country, as you point out that you have done. But I can't stand someone who is racist. My daughter is adopted from India. Does that make her not worthy of owning a business in this country someday?

Seabee
Mar 2, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.
Suggest removal

Doesn't anybody have an issue with 7 burglaries since January??!! We do have cops and detectives in this town don't we? They spending extra time at the donut shop or what?

mytake4u
Mar 2, 2008 at 9:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

do you see me calling people names because of their opinions??? i guess there are people who feel anyone with a different opinion than their's must be EVIL. i served my country so you could continue to have the same feedom of speech we have enjoyed for over 200 years. not for your right to call people names. i'm sure you are a very nice person.

garyprimer
Mar 1, 2008 at 8:42 a.m.
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Just another example of how difficult it can be for a community to get property owners to be responsible.

wisconsinheat
Feb 29, 2008 at 11:30 p.m.
Suggest removal

Better yet, why don't you buy the business? And life will be good.

evansvillehousewife
Feb 29, 2008 at 10 p.m.
Suggest removal

Mytake4u... i certainly hope you boycott Walmart, Sams, and Target, as well as all petroleum companies. All overseas suppliers that used to be American. Better get out your horse and buggy.... I know a few Amish who could get you set up.
For the record, any dark-skinned person over here legally IS an american. So you are urging people to not buy American? You;r a bit fuzzy in your principles.

woodworkerdude
Feb 29, 2008 at 9:45 p.m.
Suggest removal

There's been numerous burgleries because the business has been "closed" since September, but still has product on the shelf. The police are tired of responding to these burglaries. Hey, I got an idea! Let's advertise in the paper that there's an "abandoned" stock liquor store n town! MORONS!

justintimberlakerules
Feb 29, 2008 at 9:22 p.m.
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Wow, I think that last post has to be the most ignorant thing I've ever read. The racism running through your body is pure evil. People like you scare me.

mytake4u
Feb 29, 2008 at 8:55 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
razz
Feb 29, 2008 at 9:16 a.m.
Suggest removal

I thought to hold a liquor license, You-A: Had to live in the county that you hold the license or-B: Had to live atleast in the same state.I'm not sure about that but i've held a bartenders lisence for about 15 years now. Just putting in my 2 shinny pennys worth!

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