The Vine Applies for First Live Music Permit on South Main

The owners of The Vine, a restaurant on South Main Street, are the first to apply for a permit to have live music in the area since the city council lifted a ban last fall. 

Live music was previously banned on part of South Main Street for restaurants and bars that served alcohol.

Now, establishments that serve alcohol can apply for a conditional use permit which will allow them to have unamplified live music. The law requires the music to end by 8 p.m. if outdoors and 9 p.m. if indoors. 

The St. Charles Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved the application. The City Council will consider the request during the March 5 meeting. 

The Vine is located at 325 South Main Street, next door to a shop with an apartment above it. Residential housing is also behind The Vine and a bed and breakfast is located across the street. 

In their application, the owners said they would have acts with between one and three performers who would perform indoors or either in the back patio or the front patio from noon to 8 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. 

The city staff recommended requiring the performers to face away from the residential housing in the area. The restaurant would also be subject to city noise ordinances.

Two people submitted letters of concern to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Several people spoke out last fall with concerns that allowing music and alcohol on South Main would lead to an increase in crime in the area. 

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• Mayor Says City is Addressing Crime on Main Street
• Winery Owners Seek Repeal of Live Music Ban on South Main