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Law Offices of
Schain, Firsel & Burney, Ltd.
Suite 1510 | 222 North LaSalle Street | Chicago, IL 60610-1102
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Patrick T. Brankin
Voice Extension 32
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Telephone (312) 332.0200
Telefax (312) 332-4514
Voice Extension 32
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Mr. Raymond M. Maloney
President
Protech Security Camera, Inc.
17065 Dixie Hwy.
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
RE: Minor in Tavern Citation - City of Chicago - Dismissal of Action
Dear Ray:
Good news. Yesterday I received a call from counsel for the City indicating that they decided to drop the case against my client.
As you know, one of my clients was cited for permitting a minor to enter and remain in his tavern. During the investigation, the police were told by the minor that she was not asked for identification when she entered the establishment. Unfortunately, that ended the police investigation. The police never asked my client whether or not identification had been requested nor did they include any information regarding identification in their report. My client, however, was able to review the videotape taken by the Protech License Saver Plus System he had installed in his establishment. That tape clearly showed the minor presenting fraudulent identification to the bouncer.
After reviewing the tape myself, I contacted the attorneys for the City and reviewed the tape with them. They agreed that the evidence as contained on the video tape was insurmountable. Therefore, the case was dropped.
In light of the lack of any other substantive evidence, my client would likely have been subject to substantial fines and possible suspension or revocation of his license if not for the Protech License Saver Plus System. This underscores the importance of the system in this instance. The importance of such a system has become even more apparent for all Chicago tavern owners in light of the recent ordinance passed by the City of Chicago. That ordinance provides, in relevant part, that a liquor licensee may not remain open during the appeal of a revocation of his City license, if the revocation is for the sale of alcoholic liquor to a minor and the licensee was disciplined for three or more similar sales occurring in separate incidents, within the prior three years (City of Chicago Municipal Code 4-60-181) . In real terms, being forced to remain closed during the City of Chicago appeal process, would be a death sentence for any tavern owner. The surest way for the tavern owner to protect his business and his livelihood is to have a fail safe system installed such as the Protech License Saver Plus System. In this type of case, where facts often conflict, videotape is clear proof that the licensee, acting in good faith, relied on what appeared to be legitimate state-issued identification presented by the minor. The Protech License Saver Plus System provides this proof in addition to being a strong weapon to combat the problem of underage drinking as well as protecting the tavern owner's reputation and business.
Thank you and your company for all the hard work put in on this case. While our firm cannot officially endorse products and services, I can personally testify as to the effectiveness of your system. I would be happy to share my experience with any of your clients.
Sincerely,
Patrick T. Brankin
PTS/ssd
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