DOC RYAN’S Uncertain future

from page 1 out of the deal. While the mayor confirmed the rumor, he said he has not received an explanation on why Euphoria decided not to go through with it.

This leaves the fate of the building uncertain. Matt Sullivan, who bought the bar from longtime owner Jim Shaw in the fall of 2007 and whose name was listed on the state liquor license as of Feb. 28, did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment. When the Review visited Doc Ryan’s last week, a bartender on duty confirmed that the bar would close on March 31.

According to Secretary of State records, Euphoria is owned by Brian Allen, who also owns the Tru Blue Security company. The license allows him to open a dispensary anywhere in Cook County.

When the village council allowed cannabis dispensaries by right, they capped the number of dispensaries at one. This would mean another license holder could still open a dispensary somewhere on Madison Street. Dispensaries are also allo right in industrial areas, but the conditional use still applies for commercial areas outside Madison Street.

Euphoria’s decision came after the village council voted unanimously on 27 to allow the Bloc cannabis dispensary to open inside the for mer CVS location 7216 Circle Ave.

Doc Ryan’s has been in business since the 1950s and was a go-to venue for cal events — most recently, mayoral candidate John Doss’ campaign kick-o draiser. But the bar also had a record misbehavior — though Forest Park Chief Ken Gross testified at a liquor commission hearing last year that things ha improved in recent years.

While the bar’s Facebook page the possibility of relocating elsewher liquor licenses are tied to addresses. If it moves elsewhere in Forest Park or to some other municipality, it will have to start from scratch to get new local and state liquor licenses.

The bar’s current state liquor license expires at the end of February 2024.

Author Discussion & Signing With Frances McNamara

Saturday, March 25, 12 - 2 p.m., Centuries & Sleuths

Frances McNamara, author of the mystery novel Molasses Murder In A Nutshell, will be inter viewed by her friend and former publisher Emily Victorson. 7419 Madison St., Forest Park.

Social Circle: Stories in the Circle with Susan Rohde

Wednesday, March 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y Austin Room

We want the librar y to be your happy place. All seniors (55+) are invited to join in for some special community time each week. We’ll talk and share interests, enjoy guest speakers, and keep ourselves active, engaged, and well-informed. Register: https://fppl.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar. 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park