Shiloh liquor store, gaming parlor shut down due to safety code violations
Spins & Spirits, a liquor store with video gaming, has been shut down following multiple village safety code violations.
Code enforcement inspectors found numerous infractions at the business, located at 2417 Lebanon Ave.
Mayor Robert Weilmuenster said building owner Rushi Veer was given a 10-day notice to fix the violations that ended Jan. 20. When the violations were not corrected, the shop was closed until further notice. A sign was placed on the door notifying customers.
"It is an unsafe building. We found electrical hazards," Weilmuenster said.
"We notified the St. Clair County Health Department too. They were selling food, such as a pre-cooked chicken breast sandwich, that was supposed to be frozen, but it was only refrigerated."
Veer could not be reached for comment. He did not return a message left with an employee, and other calls went unanswered. The shop's phone number did not have voice mail set up. He also owns the retail center and rents space to other shop owners.
The retail center is also home to Better Loot, a trading card game place, and Gold Mine Gaming, a video gaming/gambling entertainment venue with multiple locations in Illinois.
Weilmuenster said the Illinois Gaming Board and the Illinois Liquor Commission have been notified. The gaming board denied the location’s license on Sept. 11, but reversed its decision on Dec. 11.
Jeff Dippe, owner of Better Loot, declined to comment. His shop space has been altered from its original configuration. He has a 12-month lease set to expire at the end of the year.
Weilmuenster said Veer performed work on Better Loot’s interior that removed a bathroom, a light switch and a thermostat, which are all violations. He added that there was no access to a fuse box, which is required. Because of these infractions, the electrical inspector cited the property on Jan. 22.
A spokesman for Gold Mine Gaming said the business has operated there for about four years and has not had any issues.