Local administration officials in Oak Lawn have withdrawn the business permit of Jermae & Jerry Play Space, a popular children’s entertainment hub, amid allegations of adult parties with alcohol and cannabis usage.
Despite firm denials from the venue’s management, the village council suspended the center’s license for two years. This decision, advised by lawyer Michael Cainkar, sent shockwaves through the community.
Cainkar justified the move as necessary for the village’s well-being. Despite the current setback, the center’s management pledges to continue working and rebound strongly after the suspension period.
An Oak Lawn police spokesperson reported observing over a hundred adults at a party at the Play Space involving alcohol and cannabis, thus breaching the venue’s permit. The police representative added that such activities were illegal and posed safety risks.
Karyn Baker, the venue’s manager, denied these allegations. She insisted that the venue is exclusively for child-centered and family-friendly events.
Play space closure: concerns over adult party allegations
“Neither alcohol nor cannabis is ever on the premises,” she asserted.
A police notice from March 2024 states that a group of people were seen at the venue with alcohol outside its operating hours, violating local rules. The venue does not have a liquor license and was given a strict warning by the authorities.
The police are investigating this incident and are appealing for any witnesses to provide information. Further violations could result in severe penalties, including the venue’s potential closure.
Meanwhile, Cainkar confirmed that the ‘adult-only parties’ incidents were serious infractions, sufficiently justifying the suspension of the venue’s business permit. As a result, local authorities proceeded to finalize suspending the establishment’s operation. Despite objections from the venue’s owner, Cainkar’s findings affirmed the suspension’s legal soundness and societal necessity.
