The Government Operations Committee unanimously approved three business licenses Wednesday, including a D1 alcohol permit for the Hilton Garden Inn and a C1 retail-on-premises license for Playa (Suntoro Inc.), after the applications were presented and recommended by the Liquor Control Commission.

Chief Lichens told the committee the Hilton Garden Inn's sale to a new owner prompted the D1 application but that the hotel "is not changing anything operationally" and the longtime manager and staff will remain in place. "This was presented earlier this evening to the Liquor Commission and came out of that committee with unanimous vote of approval," Lichens said. Lichens also said background checks and the businesses' plans raised no issues.

On Playa, Lichens said the applicant Carlos and his family have operated multiple restaurants in St. Charles and the surrounding area and plan to host private events at a storefront located at 2061 Lincoln Highway near Plan of Fitness. The committee approved the C1 license by roll call following a motion and second.

The committee also approved a massage-business license for Carrie Anne's Wellness, which will operate at 150 South Kirk Road inside Posh Salon Suites. Lichens said the applicant, identified in the meeting as Carolyn, is a licensed Illinois therapist who "will be the only employee" and will operate by appointment between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Motions on all three items were moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The chair declared each motion carried.

What happens next: the licenses proceed under the city's routine administrative process; applicants were vetted by background checks and had prior committee favorable recommendations. No appeals or conditions were recorded during the meeting.

Sources: statements at the Government Operations Committee meeting (Chief Lichens and council roll-call votes).