Liquor license poses problem for Stardust Ballroom

A 2-year-old entertainment venue on the south side may be facing closure amid a liquor license issue with the city of Springfield.

Stardust Ballroom owner Mark Burgess said the city of Springfield recently declined to renew the venue's liquor license. The decision leaves the future of the 305 W. Walnut Lawn St., Ste. TT, venue up in the air, he said.

"We're probably not going to be able to sustain ourselves past the end of our lease," Burgess said, noting the lease at McLoud Plaza lasts for another year.

City of Springfield Finance Director David Holtmann said via email that Stardust Ballroom did not meet the minimum food sales requirement of $50,000 for one year as required under city code. He said because of that, the liquor license was not renewed, and the business was notified Dec. 12 by the city.

Holtmann additionally said there are two businesses that have active liquor licenses within 200 feet of Stardust Ballroom. He was referring to Marty's Sports Bar and Chipotle, the latter of which has an active liquor license but doesn't sell alcohol. According to the city’s website, establishments with liquor licenses may not be within 200 feet of one another. 

Burgess said Stardust Ballroom originally secured a provisional license by getting the two active liquor license businesses to sign off. He then asked the city about giving away drinks with a ticket sale but was informed that approach was illegal.

Asked if Stardust Ballroom has any options to obtain a liquor license, Holtmann said "not without selling at least $50,000 in food sales."

Burgess described an uncompromising municipality in dealing with the liquor license issue. He said the business, which is open only on select nights to time with events, would require a third-party food vendor to meet the liquor license requirement, something he said "doesn't make financial sense."

Additionally, communication has been lackluster, he said.

"The city just makes it so difficult to do business in this town. It's always a battle to do anything with them," he said.

Business pivot
Complicating the issue is a pivot Burgess had to make in the early operations of Stardust Ballroom. The business was founded in February 2024. 

The 5,500-square-foot business originally had planned to cater to older adults living in high-end retirement communities in the city, Burgess said.

"We found pretty quick that the people didn't want to be out that late," he said. "We never could get that to work. We had to pivot."

Stardust Ballroom transitioned into an entertainment venue and event center.

Without alcohol on the menu, he said, the business is facing difficulties for customers who expect to be able to order a drink when dancing to live music.

"At this point, it didn't meet my original plan," Burgess said of Stardust Ballroom, which he called "a nice, high-quality, safe dance venue."

He added, "I think we've exhausted all of our resources."