TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Terry D’Arcy, Liquor Commissioner
SUBJECT:
title
Ordinance Amending Section 4-15, Ceasing the Issuance of New Class A Liquor Licenses and Changing Class upon Transfer
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BACKGROUND:
The office of the Liquor Commissioner conducts ongoing reviews of the City of Joliet Liquor Code in order to audit the relevance and effectiveness of the Code of Ordinances.
A Class A Liquor License authorizes the sale of packaged liquor from a licensed premise which also serves liquor for consumption on the premises. The practical effect of this provision is that, at specific locations, an individual can purchase packaged liquor until 3:00 a.m. This option was historically designed for the convenience of residents who patronize local neighborhood taverns. As neighborhood taverns go by the wayside, this option inadvertently creates liquor stores which remain open until 3:00 a.m. whereas a true liquor store (Class C License) must close at midnight.
In recent months, late-night liquor sales have led to complaints from residents and often require police intervention.
There are currently twenty-eight (28) Class A Licenses in the City; these will remain unchanged. The proposed amendment will restrict the sale of packaged liquor at businesses possessing a Class A License to the same hours allowed at businesses holding Class C Licenses. Such licensees must cease sales of packaged liquor at midnight each day.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
The Office of the Liquor Commissioner recommends the Mayor and City Council approve the attached Ordinance Amending Section 4-15.
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