Permit Denied For LGBT Nightclub By Quincy City Council

QUINCY, IL — A special permit for a gay nightclub in western Illinois was voted down during a Quincy City Council meeting Monday night. WGEM says the 8-5 vote turned down the permit which would have allowed a new business to operate, and remain open until 3 a.m. instead of 1 a.m. Officials who opposed the permit said they're concerned about noise and parking, according to the news report.

Another gay club, Irene's Nightclub, operated at the 124 North 5th site for 36 years before it closed two years ago.

According to WGEM, the vote created frustration for business owners who support the nightclub, as they met council members in the parking lot after the meeting.

WGEM reported the vote came after the Quincy Plan Commision recommended the special permit be approved, but Chris Taylor, Quincy business owner, said he'll now look at different options even though he wants this nightclub location because of the the history it represents for the LGBT community.

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