Mayor Rejects Tilted Kilt Liquor License

Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl has rejected a liquor license for the Tilted Kilt, a Hooters-like bar and restaurant that was slated to open in the heart of downtown Evanston.

"The reasons for the denial stem from the public safety concerns expressed by the residents and the fact that the proposed licensee's establishment does not comply with recognized Evanston community standards," Tisdahl wrote in her rejection notice.

"The applicant simply cannot overcome the strong community-based opposition to placing a congested and noisy bar in that proposed location," she wrote.

The notice also said that the owner expressed there would be "no deviation in staff attire," as the dress code of low-cut tops, push-up bras, and short skirts would remain if the business were to open in Evanston.

People who support the bar noted that that attire is common on the Northwestern campus and at local beaches.

The bar has been the subject of a heated debate within the community for weeks, with some people saying Evanston needs the new business and others saying the restaurant would be a disgrace to the city.

, and an online petition against the Tilted Kilt with more than 2,000 signatures was presented to the mayor at last week's Liquor Control Board meeting.

"Objectifying our daughters and neighbors and students is not the way to make money for Evanston," said Cynthia Farenga, one of the people who helped start the petition.

Many people who object to the business attended the Liquor Control meeting and expressed similar feelings.

“This is sexual entertainment masquerading as an eatery," said

The move marks a serious setback to the restaurant's owner, and the Tilted Kilt is unlikely to move forward with opening in Evanston without a liquor license.

Evanston Patch will update this article once more information is made available, including a comment from the liquor license applicant.