March 7, 2018 – Spybar, the late-hours dance club in River North – recently closed by the City of Chicago – had not had a valid state liquor license since 2016.

For lack of a state license, required by bars in Chicago even if they have a city license, Spybar was ordered closed on February 23 by the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

CWB Chicago says it has found Spybar’s most recent license from Illinois Liquor Control Commission and it expired 20 months ago on June 30, 2016. Spybar had a city liquor license but it expired on February 15. (Left) A DJ and crowd at Spybar.

According to the crime news site, an investigation by state authorities is underway to determine how Spybar got liquor during the time it did not have a valid license.

Going forward, one plan being discussed is for Illinois Liquor Control Commission to provide the City of Chicago each month with a list of state licenses that will soon expire.