An Arlington Heights karaoke bar and restaurant is finally getting a liquor license, with village officials saying this week that the owner deserves forgiveness after the venue’s prior rule violations and former ties to a woman charged with prostitution.
Officials said the Music Box Café, also known as the Ding, Dong, Dang Korean restaurant, was twice denied a liquor license in recent years, in part due to the business’ former affiliation with a masseuse charged with prostitution who is a relative of owner Song Han.
The restaurant also had violations including incorrect paperwork when they previously applied for the liquor license, officials said.
Despite not having a license to serve liquor, the business has remained in operation in recent years as a karaoke bar and Korean restaurant with a BYOB policy, said Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes, who also serves as the village’s liquor commissioner.
“Mainly because of the affiliation with [the relative], we had some concerns with the liquor license application process, and the board didn’t feel comfortable issuing one at the time,” Hayes said, adding that Han’s relative is no longer involved with the business.
“It’s been about three and a half years since their second application was denied, and I and others felt that they could operate their business without any incidents occurring, and they should have the privilege,” Hayes said.
Han was not immediately available for comment on Friday.
But at a village board meeting earlier this month, Trustee Thomas Glasgow said while the board had twice denied the request for a liquor license, Han has proven to be “a trustworthy person for the past three and a half years.”
“I do believe very much that forgiveness is a good thing and the sign of civilized people,” Glasgow said.
kcullotta@tribpub.com
Twitter: @kcullotta
