The Lyon’s Den Hookah Lounge in Ukrainian Village has been ordered to close by police after a recent shooting incident. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling issued the closure on Saturday, following a shooting that took place on Friday outside the lounge, located at 2123 W. Division St. This closure was enacted because of ongoing public safety issues associated with the venue.
The shooting on Division Street stemmed from a fight inside the Lyon’s Den. At around 1:30 a.m. on Friday, three men aged 23, 31, and 45 were standing on the sidewalk in the 2100 block of West Division Street when someone in a black car opened fire. The 21-year-old man was shot in the right shoulder, the 24-year-old in the left elbow, and the 31-year-old in both feet. They were all taken to local hospitals and are in good condition. No arrests have been made yet, and police are investigating the incident.
This shooting is just the latest in a series of violent events linked to the Lyon’s Den. The lounge has been a point of contention for neighbors and local officials who have pushed for its closure due to repeated safety concerns. On January 1, 2023, a bouncer was killed outside the Lyon’s Den after a man tried to enter with a gun and opened fire during an altercation.
After the fatal shooting in January, officials and community members called for the closure of the Lyon’s Den. While one alderman pushed for immediate closure, the city opted for a corrective action plan instead. This plan included measures such as limiting the amount of alcohol patrons could bring, increasing security, and banning outside promoters from hosting events.
Following the triple shooting on Friday, Alderman Daniel La Spata renewed calls for the lounge’s closure, stating that the business had been given ample opportunity to improve but failed to do so. La Spata expressed disappointment, saying, “I have seen no evidence that they’re capable of running a business that’s safe for the neighborhood. This is exactly what our residents were concerned about… it’s deeply disappointing.”
The ownership of Lyon’s Den did not respond to requests for comments on Friday. However, community members, including Linda Buczyna of the Ukrainian Village Safety Advocates, have now taken a firmer stance, insisting that the lounge should be shut down permanently. Buczyna stated, “We were aiming for them to be better members of the community. Now, that’s it.”
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Police can issue a summary closure to temporarily shut down a business if it poses a public safety risk. The business can appeal the decision or face closure for up to six months.
