(A) Upon receiving a complaint that a licensee is in violation of state law, the regulations promulgated by the State Liquor Control Commission or Commissioner, or this code, the Local Liquor Control Commissioner shall at once investigate, and finding the licensee in violation, may suspend or revoke his or her license or permit.
(B) However, prior to the suspension or revocation of the license or permit, the Local Liquor Control Commissioner shall cause to be served upon the licensee a written notice to appear within 3 days at a public hearing, before the Commissioner or hearing officer appointed by him or her, affording the licensee the opportunity to be heard.
(C) The Local Liquor Control Commissioner, or a hearing officer he or she shall designate, shall preside over the hearing, held in a public place, at a reasonable time and conducted according to any applicable rules promulgated by the State Liquor Control Commission or the Local Liquor Control Commissioner, and in accordance with state law, all evidence in support of the complaint of violation shall be presented by the City Attorney or, if the City Attorney advises the Liquor Commissioner at the hearing, then by some other attorney selected by the Liquor Commissioner. The licensee shall have the right to present evidence in rebuttal and to cross-examine witnesses. Hearings shall be transcribed by a certified court reporter.
(D) The Commissioner, or hearing officer if appointed, shall keep and maintain an official record of the proceedings, and within 5 days after the close of the hearing, the Local Liquor Control Commissioner shall cause to be served a written notice of his or her decision upon the licensee.
(E) In the event it is determined that the license or permit be suspended or revoked, the Local Liquor Control Commissioner shall cause to be served a written order of suspension or revocation, stating the reason or reasons for the action, and the duration thereof.
(Am. Ord. 2013-67, passed 12-9-2013; Am. Ord. 2017-85, passed 11-13-2017)