Hangar 9 has handed in a proposal to the city that the bar’s owners hopes will allow the South Illinois Avenue business to remain competitive among the Carbondale bar scene.

Sally Carter and James Duke, owners of Hangar 9, have submitted a request for the expansion of the building.

If approved, it will allow Toomey Enterprises, Inc. to expand the property, and Carbondale would have another place to enjoy the outdoor bar scene.

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The “back porch expansion project 2004” for Hangar 9 would include an addition to the rear of the building.

The “back porch” would not include any area for live music or an additional bar, but would offer a TV as well as speakers for recorded music.

According to the request, the addition would be 25 feet by 16 feet. The project would have to comply with all building codes and be approved by the Carbondale Fire Department.

“In this particular case, it’s really just a small addition to an existing entity, said Steve Payne, the exofficio member of the Carbondale Liquor Advisory Board.

In their request to the city, Carter and Duke said the reason for the addition is to remain competitive in the market.

“She’s someone wanting to do the job right and stay competitive,” Payne said.

While the outdoor areas at other local bars offer a beer garden atmosphere, Carter’s and Duke’s proposal includes an outdoor area that is completely screened in. Payne said he does not see a problem with the proposal.

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“Sally is one of the more professional people around in the liquor business,” Payne said.

The board considers health and safety issues surrounding the request and past violations before reviewing the request.

Payne said he does not see any reason the Local Liquor Control Commission would go against any recommendation by the advisory board.

“The board looks to see if it just makes sense,” Payne said.

The Liquor Advisory Board considered a proposal for the expansion of the property Thursday and it is now up to the Illinois Local Liquor Commission.

“In this particular case, we have a good operator there, Sally Carter,” Payne said.

Pinch Penny Pub, Sidetracks and Booby’s all have outdoor areas for customers to enjoy. The addition on Hangar 9 would give Carbondale residents one more choice on the list.

Tyler Sapp, an SIUC student who frequents the bar, said the Hangar 9 is at a disadvantage in the summer because it offers no outdoor seating.

“It better because instead of being inside all the time in the summer, you can go outside,” Sapp said. “It gets hot in there during the summer.”