Live Music May Expand In Burr Ridge

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge's zoning panel earlier this week recommended expanding the ability of restaurants to offer live entertainment.

The Village Board is expected to take up the issue at its meeting Monday.

Now, eight establishments in the village have permits to offer such entertainment. And another place, which lacks a permit, is advertising live entertainment anyway.

Earlier this week, the Plan Commission proposed allowing restaurants and wine boutiques in Burr Ridge's business districts to offer live entertainment as an accessory use. They would no longer need special use permits.

Lewd or sexually suggestive acts or dance would remain prohibited. Under the proposal, live entertainment would not be allowed outdoors.

At this week's hearing, attorney Nick Esposito, representing the Are We Live lounge, addressed the Plan Commission. He said Are We Live offers small plates and wanted to confirm if it would fall under the village's restaurant category.

The commission's chairman, Greg Trzupek, responded that the definition of restaurant was loose and that he would like to see it reviewed.

Are We Live has been advertising DJs on certain nights, but it does not have a permit to offer such entertainment.

According to the meeting minutes, no one mentioned this fact.

Earlier this month, Patch tried to get information about this apparent violation from the village. But the village declined to provide any records, saying doing so would interfere with "active administrative enforcement proceedings."

Are We Live's owner, Filippo "Gigi" Rovito, has close ties to Mayor Gary Grasso.

The lounge, which opened last year, is at 312 Burr Ridge Parkway. Rovito also owns Capri Ristorante. Both are in County Line Square.