Pioneer Tap Outlines New Corrective Action Plan After Liquor License Hearing

Bar promises increased security, monitoring, and neighborhood compliance measures to address ongoing issues.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken glass bottle, its jagged edges and reflective surface capturing the harsh lighting and dramatic shadows, conceptually representing the conflict and damage caused by the issues at Pioneer Tap bar.A shattered remnant of the ongoing tensions between a local bar and its surrounding community.Forest Park Today

After a fight outside the Pioneer Tap bar in March led to its second emergency closure in a year, the Forest Park liquor commissioner ordered the bar to develop a new corrective action plan to maintain its liquor license. The plan includes enhanced entry procedures, interior safety monitoring, and measures to address neighborhood concerns like loitering, noise, and public drinking.

Why it matters

Pioneer Tap has faced a history of issues like noise complaints, fights, and public intoxication that have led to previous license suspensions. This new corrective action plan is an attempt by the bar to address these ongoing community concerns and avoid further license revocation.

The details

The new corrective action plan requires Pioneer Tap staff to check IDs and bags at the door, deny entry to visibly intoxicated or aggressive patrons, monitor congestion and conflict inside, patrol the exterior for loitering and public drinking, and enforce a strict midnight last call and 1am closing time. Police Chief Ken Gross also requested the bar report all incidents to authorities and repair a broken window.

  • On March 15, a fight outside the bar led to its latest emergency closure.
  • On March 24, a liquor license hearing resulted in a 20-day suspension and the new corrective action plan.
  • Pioneer Tap reopened on April 4 under the new guidelines.

The players

Pioneer Tap

A bar located at 7445 Randolph St. in Forest Park, Illinois that has faced a history of issues with its liquor license.

Rory Hoskins

The Forest Park mayor who also serves as the village's liquor commissioner.

Ken Gross

The Forest Park Police Chief who reviewed and provided feedback on Pioneer Tap's new corrective action plan.

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What they’re saying

“Our officers do patrol that area quite a bit, especially if they see it's a busy bar night.”

— Ken Gross, Forest Park Police Chief

“We haven't had any major issues since last April. Based on that, they were essentially doing what they were supposed to be doing.”

— Rachell Entler, Village Administrator

What’s next

Police will monitor activity at Pioneer Tap and calls to the department to determine if the new corrective action plan is effective in addressing the bar's ongoing issues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges bars face in maintaining community compliance, even after previous license suspensions and corrective action plans. It underscores the need for ongoing collaboration between businesses, local government, and law enforcement to balance economic interests with public safety concerns.