Seul's Keeps Business License, Closes For Two Days

The threat to suspend Seul's Tavern & Grill's business license for two years was reduced to 48 hours at a business license hearing Wednesday. The decision follows the discovery in May that a former employee had been dealing cocaine on restaurant premises for five years.

Since the arrest of Jorge M. Garduno of Evanston – who was caught by undercover Northfield and Cook County police officers in May – Liquor Control Commissioner and Village President Fred Gougler met with Seul's owner Dan Monckton and his attorney and Police Chief William Lustig to determine whether the business should be closed.

"I was extremely disappointed at what happened at Seul's," Gougler said. "This matter reflected poorly on our village. Does [Seul's] really deserve to stay in business?"

Immediately following Garduno's arrest, Seul's management conducted criminal background checks of all 32 employees. They returned clear, said Bill Hielscher, Monckton's lawyer, making the case that Seul's -- a longtime Northfield establishment, should remain open. Additionally, 27 surveillance cameras have been installed in the dining, bar, kitchen and parking areas. 

Gougler then addressed Monckton and two employees who attended the hearing: "The fact that this had been going on for five years, how could you be oblivious to what was happening? Can you explain it to me?"

"I've never had any experience with drugs," Monckton said. He also pointed out that he's not on restaurant premises every day and had no clue what was going on.

Renee Casalina said she works at the bar and keeps an eye on the front door regularly but said she never saw any drug deals. Instead, she usually spotted Garduno working the floor, interacting with customers. "I'm sorry I didn't see it," she said.

Gougler said Seul's will keep its business and liquor licenses but would be shut down during a weekend in the next coming weeks. He warned the staff that any violation committed by the bar will lead to a revocation of its license. He said he will be meeting with Seul's staff and Lustig four times a year to ensure the establishment is free of illegal activity.

"I can appreciate that you didn't know what was going on," Gougler said to Monckton. "I don't think I would have either. But you own Seul's. The people that work in your establishment are your responsibility. So we look to you."

After the hearing, Monckton, two employees and two Seul's regulars who attended the hearing stood outside of the Village Hall smoking cigarettes and complaining that the village's determination was unjust.

"This is football season, one of the most lucrative of the year," said one patron, an attorney, who wished to be unnamed. "I find the charges punitive in nature, but there was no suspension of the license. The 48-hour suspension is entirely unnecessary."

Monckton estimated that the restaurant could lose $6,000 to $10,000 when it closes for the weekend.