Chicago Shut Down Wicker Park Party With 300 Unmasked Revelers

Mark Konkol
Updated ·2 min read

CHICAGO — Police shut down a pop-up nightclub in a Wicker Park basement early Sunday where 300 people partied without face masks in violation of statewide pandemic restrictions banning indoor dining and drinking amid a spike in coronavirus cases.

City officials issued five cease-and-desist orders to The Vault/All Access for hosting the private event at 1612 W. Division Ave. The event organizers received nine citations for violating COVID-19 regulations including exceeding indoor capacity levels, disregarding social distancing and mask mandates, smoking and operating sparklers indoors and not having a proper business license.

The event space also was shut down by the buildings department for not having smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, officials said.

Since Oct. 30, city officials have investigated 877 business for violating statewide shutdown orders due to the coronavirus crisis, and issued 20 citations and 54 warnings to bars, restaurants and other businesses for allowing indoor dining and drinking. City officials also issued a one-day closure order to nine businesses, including four establishments shutdown for longer periods after allegedly "egregiously violating the COVID-19 regulations."

Violators include:

  • Chicago Sport Complex, 2600 W. 35th St., was shut down for hosting a party with over 600 attendees, no face coverings or social distancing.

  • Wildberry Pancake, 196 E. Pearson St, was shut down for repeatedly allowed indoor dining despite multiple warnings.

  • The Ballroom, 6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave. was shut down for hosting a party with more than 200 attendees that were neither wearing face coverings nor practicing social distancing

  • Fat Fish Bar & Grill, 234 W 31st St. was shut down for "egregiously violating social distancing and face coverings requirements on outdoor patio."

  • Black Cat Lounge, 1640 W. 115th St. was shut down for allowing patrons to drink indoors and not requiring face coverings or social distancing.

  • The Delta, 1745 W. North Ave. was shut down for egregiously violating social distancing and face coverings requirements on outdoor patio.

  • Mariscos La Diabla, 4222 W. 63rdSt. was shut down for allowing patrons to dine indoors and not requiring face coverings and social distancing.

  • Effe Inc., 4216 W. 63rdSt., was shut down for allowing patrons to dine indoors and not requiring face coverings and social distancing.

  • Linda’s Place, 1044 W. 51st St., was shut down for allowing patrons to dine indoors and not requiring face coverings and social distancing.

"While the vast majority of Chicago's businesses are doing the right thing and following the COVID-19 regulations, it is incredibly disheartening to see some establishments continue to egregiously and blatantly disregard the guidelines and put our entire community at risk," Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department Commissioner Rosa Escareno said.

"Actions like this are a slap in the face to the thousands of businesses and millions of Chicagoans that are making sacrifices every day to keep our city safe, and we will continue cracking down on this inexcusable activity."

This article originally appeared on the Chicago Patch