Illinois Liquor Control Commission,

On behalf of the Chicago Service Industry, a collective of well over 30,000 food, beverage & hospitality professionals in the Chicagoland area, I’m writing to request a suspension of the liquor license held by El Hefe, located at 15 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago.

As industry professionals, safeguarding the health and safety of our guests is our livelihood. Following the release of deeply disturbing allegations of violent sexual assault involving patrons of El Hefe, and the alleged role of El Hefe employees in such incidents, we stand united in the belief that El Hefe’s liquor license should be suspended until a full investigation and Bassett certification audit has been completed.

You can read about these allegations using the following:

http://tiny.cc/rjpdhz​

http://tiny.cc/8lpdhz​

http://tiny.cc/tnpdhz

El Hefe's expressed policy of removing ill or overly intoxicated guests via a rear exit is unacceptable. The protocol exposes patrons who have been over-served – or otherwise forcibly intoxicated – to potentially dangerous circumstances without regard to their health or safety.

Further, comments made to multiple service industry professionals by members of El Hefe's staff in public and online forums regarding the allegations illustrate a dangerous workplace culture that puts Chicago citizens and visitors at risk. Examples of such online activity will be submitted to the plaintiff's lawyers for use in current and future sexual assault lawsuits filed against El Hefe.

As service industry professionals, we are deeply troubled by the allegations and call on the ILCC and city officials to suspend El Hefe’s liquor license until all the facts are available and the establishment has proven itself a safe, reputable place for Chicago residents and visitors.

Signed,

The Bar and Restaurant Service Industry Professionals of Chicago

All inquiries regarding this letter and petition to:  jesse@acityunited.org