A progress hearing for Jerry’s Pizza & Pub is scheduled for 10 a.m. today.

Jerry’s was charged with 88 counts of violating Charleston liquor license laws for an incident last fall.

On Sept. 16, Charleston Police charged 86 minors with frequenting a licensed premise.

Seventy-seven were charged with purchase/acceptance of alcohol by a minor, seven with possession of a false identification, two with the misrepresentation of age by a minor and two with obstructing a peace officer.

At a Nov. 14 hearing Larry Keck, co-owner of Jerry’s, pleaded not guilty.

Jerry’s contends that people entered the bar used fake IDs.

Charleston Mayor John Inyart, who is also liquor commissioner, said he doesn’t know if today’s hearing will resolve the issue.

“(City Attorney Brian) Bower asked for more time,” he said after the hearing was continued from Dec. 10.

Bower has been reviewing two five-hour discs, which show the persons entering the bar and their ID.

Bower has watched the two tapes, but will watch the tapes together Inyart said.

Calls to Bower were not immediately returned on Monday.

Attorney David Nelson, who represents Jerry’s, also did not return phone calls.

Inyart said the two counsels work together before Bower gives his recommendation.

Jerry’s could face fines up to $1,000 and suspension or removal of their liquor license.

Minors charged with being at Jerry’s appeared in court on Nov. 1.

Matt Hopf may be reached at 581-7945 or at mthopf@eiu.edu.

Jerry’s Pizza and Pub located on the southwest corner of Lincoln and 4th street will have their hearing tuesday morning at city hall to address the underage drinking situation. (John Bailey/The Daily Eastern News)

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