Palatine Working on Deal Agreement with La Presa

It took less than 10 minutes for a hearing to be continued on Friday for a second time relating to allegations of drug sales and improperly certified employees who serve alcohol at La Presa Mexican Restaurant, 319 S. Rohlwing Road. 

Village Attorney Patrick Brankin made a request to Hearing Officer, and Village Manager Reid Ottesen, to "allow a continuance so that we can work out a stipulation as to the facts and penalities for the business."

Ottesen allowed the continuance and rescheduled the hearing for Wednesday, February 13.

Brankin said he will continue working with Paul Augustyn, attorney for La Presa, to come to an agreement regarding the facts in the case. 

La Presa is accused of violating Section 11 15 of the village code, Brankin said, and the penalties could range from complete revocation of the business license, to sanctions or other levels of punishment. 

Even though the two sides are attempting to work out an agreement, Ottesen could impose his own ruling, Brankin said. Ottesen could reject, accept or modify the ruling at his descretion. 

In a village hearing notice dated January 18, which was sent to La Presa, it states, there was the “sale of drugs on the premises, causing a nuisance or danger to public health, safety or welfare," and, "failure of liquor-serving employees to have property BASSET certification.”

The hearing is now set for Wednesday, February 13 at 2 p.m. in village council chambers, 200 E. Wood Street.