Liquor Advisory Board

CITY OF CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS LIQUOR ADVISORY BOARD Minutes of the Regular Meeting Thursday, December 5, 2019 The City of Carbondale’s Liquor Advisory Board held a meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2019, in Room 103 of Carbondale City Hall, 200 South Illinois Avenue. Chair Donald Monty called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with the following-named members of the Board present/absent: 1. Roll Call Present: John Mills, Tasis Karayiannis, David Cisco, and Don Monty Absent: Mark Robinson, Steve Payne, and Colton Newlin A quorum was available to take action on the agenda items. City Staff present for the meeting included City Clerk Jennifer Sorrell and Building & Neighborhood Services Supervisor John Lenzini. 2. Approval of Minutes from the L.A.B. Meeting of October 3, 2019 The City Clerk noted a correction for the record. During the October meeting, while reviewing the quarterly reports, there was a question pertaining to an 18 year old in Key West being cited for possession of alcohol without there being a citation for either a false ID or sales to a minor. After reviewing the audio of the meeting, Key West was the location referred to, but this violation was either referring to Traxx or Stix, as there was not an entry for Key West for an 18 year old. This was probably a matter of misreading the report or misspeaking. T. Karayiannis moved, D. Cisco seconded, to approve the minutes of the L.A.B. meeting of October 3, 2019. VOTE: All voted aye; motion declared carried. 3. Review and Acceptance of First Quarter Reports for Liquor License Year 2019-2020 Questions and Comments from the Board: Police Reports: There was a request for clarification on Restrictions for Bar Entry and Liquor Access Violations for Stix. Deputy Chief Reno noted that the citation was issued to an employee of the bar for allowing a person underage to remain in the bar. It was noted that this would eventually make its way to the Hearing Officer. There was an inquiry regarding the change from Stix to Dream Nightclub and a follow-up question regarding whether there had been any issues at the location. It was noted that the location continued to have the same issues as when it operated as Stix, to some degree. Development Services Reports: There was a notation about American Tap Liquors’ change in name to Plaza Liquor and that Copper Dragon is open for special events only. J. Mills moved, T. Karayiannis seconded, to accept the first quarter reports for liquor license year 2019-2020 and forward them to the Local Liquor Control Commission. VOTE: All voted aye; motion declared carried.  Liquor Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 12-05-2019 4. Discussion of a Proposed Amendment to Title Two, Chapter Five of the Carbondale Revised Code as it pertains to Legal Bar Entry Age under Special Circumstances Note from Clerk: This specific discussion item extended for over one hour, so the details below are a brief summary of those points addressed. Audio of this discussion is available through the City Clerk’s Office. The Board reviewed the proposed modification to sections A, B, E, and G of Title 2 Chapter 5 Section 10 of the Liquor Code. In sections A through D, the legal entry age would be lowered from nineteen to eighteen in liquor establishments. Section E is removed and replaced with language which would provide for a music venue rider and how that would be implemented. Section G would change the employment age in establishments holding a B1, B2, C1 or E license from nineteen years to eighteen years of age. Lowering Entry Age for Bars from Nineteen to Eighteen Board members noted that 18 was the entry age in either the 80s or 90s, then changed to 21, and eventually was lowered to 19. It was noted that the entry age doesn’t stop underage individuals from acquiring liquor either in bars, parties, or at home. Tasis stated that he believed the age should be lowered. It was noted that there are two types of eighteen year olds, those in high school and those in college, and concern was expressed about opening a venue to an individual in high school. Utilizing college IDs to verify college students could prove problematic due to forgeries and the inability to recognize legitimate college IDs from outside universities. Don indicated he would be more comfortable with this applying only to college students. John noted he started college at 17, which could complicate matters. He agreed with Tasis about 18 being an appropriate entry age. Adam Fletcher indicated a broader number of attendees as a motivation and that house parties are not as well- regulated as a bar. He relayed that he will be playing at a venue in Cobden with all ages during the weekend, that the locale doesn’t serve food, and that while he understands the hesitancy due to Carbondale’s history, it hasn’t proved to be an issue elsewhere. Don remarked that he believed that the entry age of 18 was changed due to concerns about high school students being present in bars. There was a brief discussion regarding the various ages set. Mr. Fletcher noted that kids aren’t quite as likely to drink and that they have other options these days. A CMAC representative suggested that when the eighteen year old college student is not able to attend with their follow students, it affects their college experience, and possibly their retention as a student. He also suggested that when a younger person is able to experience these venues, they may be more inclined to stay in the region and look at SIU programs for their education; additionally, they will be more prepared if they do go elsewhere for school and won’t experience so much culture shock. He noted that there would be a very limited number of venues which would be eligible for the music venue rider. There was a question regarding whether any data had been accumulated about local entry age in the area and other college towns. Music Venue Rider It was noted that the sample language came from Champaign’s Code. If the venue rider were to apply to classification other than Class B licenses, those should be identified. 2  Liquor Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 12-05-2019 Requirements which would narrow the venue locations includes a permanent stage, permanently installed amplification system, stage lighting, and must be a location which routinely holds live musical performances. For the Champaign Code, these events must be registered with the City Manager 7 days in advance and are subject to review and the discretion of the City Manager. Modifications to this proposed language included changing the final approval to the Liquor Chair and requiring a longer timeframe, if possible, as planning for City staff schedules does sometime exceed a week, particularly if additional public safety staff are needed, due to contract obligations. Mr. Fletcher of CMAC indicated that sometimes the opportunities to pick up shows come up rather last minute. Another modification which was suggested was the inclusion of an option to deny a music venue rider to locations which struggle with a significant number of underage consumption violations on site and sales of alcohol to a minor, until such time as the business demonstrates that they have corrected the deficiency. Utilizing progressive disciplinary action versus suspension or revocation of the rider options was suggested. Having the City Attorney review the language regarding three incidents resulting in the revocation of the license was suggested. There was an inquiry about the rationale for requiring advance ticket sales for purchase by the general public; Mr. Fletcher indicated he didn’t think it was necessary, but that it would help to limit the usage for special events. It was noted that by and large, tickets weren’t typically sold for these types of performances in Carbondale. Mr. Lenzini stated that it might also have to do with the occupancy requirement. There was a question relating to sixteen and seventeen years olds allowed only one hour before, during, and one hour after the music event and whether that would comply with curfew. John Mills remarked that at SIU games, there can be alcohol anywhere and there is no policing of when minors are allowed to be present. He stated this seems related to the stigma of the idea of being in a bar. Board members: John Mills indicated his favor of the concept; Don Monty stated he would prefer to have the second portion fully fleshed out before making a determination. He suggested running the concept past the Liquor Commission first, before finalizing language. Tasis Karayiannis indicated that he didn’t have any issues with it and that it could be tried to see if it will work. David Cisco agreed that it was improved from the first draft, but he would prefer to split the vote and a roll call vote. Ann Gaylord inquired about how often this might be utilized. Mr. Fletcher stated he wasn’t sure and that it would depend on the success of the events. Eighteen Year Old Entry Age MOTION: J. Mills moved, T. Karayiannis seconded, to ask the Council to consider the proposed change from nineteen to eighteen for sections A, B, and G. VOTE: Ayes: John Mills and Tasis Karayiannis. Nays: David Cisco and Don Monty. Motion fails. D. Cisco moved, J. Mills seconded, to consider the amended sections A and B, not section G, to lower the entry age to eighteen, provided that a person has a college photo ID or military ID in addition to the regularly accepted forms of ID. VOTE: Ayes: John Mills, Tasis Karayiannis, David Cisco, and Don Monty. Motion carries. 3  Liquor Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 12-05-2019 There was discussion regarding Section G and employment age. It was suggested that the Council could determine the employment age consistently with the other two sections. It was noted that the amendment proposed to Section G would impact minimum worker age for bars, package liquor stores, and fraternal organizations/clubs. Music Venue Rider J. Mills moved, D. Cisco seconded, to recommend the City Council favorably consider such a change with some technical modifications to 2-5-10.E. VOTE: Ayes: John Mills, Tasis Karayiannis, David Cisco, and Don Monty. Motion carries. It was noted that the language will likely undergo some changes in the City Attorney’s office to be placed in an Ordinance for Council consideration. 5. Citizens’ Comments Clerk: Next meeting is scheduled for January 9. None 6. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. ________________________________ _____________________________ Jennifer R. Sorrell, City Clerk Date Approved 4