TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Ann Sylvester, Cultural Affairs and Special Events Director
SUBJECT:
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Ordinance Amending the Joliet Liquor Code by Adding a Social District to Chapter 4, Article II, Section 16 - Liquor Permits
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet is pursuing new strategies to support downtown revitalization and increase foot traffic along Chicago Street and City Square.
To further these goals, the proposed ordinance establishes a pilot social district allowing qualifying businesses to sell one “to-go cup” alcoholic beverage for consumption within a designated area. Social districts have shown success in other communities by encouraging pedestrian activity and supporting local businesses.
A limited, carefully regulated pilot will allow the City to evaluate economic impact, operational needs, and community response while maintaining strong public-safety controls.
This ordinance creates a social district encompassing Chicago Street from Jefferson Street to Cass Street and City Square, with the restriction that alcoholic beverages may not be carried across state routes. Participating businesses must operate a full kitchen and derive 40% or less of total sales from alcohol, ensuring the program complements the City’s goals for family-friendly downtown activity.
The ordinance also authorizes eligible businesses to sell one to-go alcoholic beverage during defined hours: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily from May 1 through September 30, and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily from October 1 through April 30. These hours balance evening activation with public-safety and operational considerations.
CONCLUSION:
As a pilot, the program will automatically expire in six months unless reauthorized by the City Council. This sunset provision allows for review of economic benefits, enforcement needs, and overall effectiveness.
The ordinance also grants the Liquor Commissioner authority to end the program early if conditions warrant, providing flexibility and accountability.
Combined with existing City Square and downtown regulations, this pilot program will help activate the area while ensuring appropriate oversight.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Ordinance Adding Chapter 21, Article XIII Governing the General Use and Accessibility of City Square Property.
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