Local Liquor Commission

August 15, 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE Chair Pearse called the August 15, 2024 meeting of the Local Liquor Control Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 West Wesley Street and via Zoom. Upon roll call, the following were present: Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Laird, Chair Pearse and Commissioner Taylor. Absent: Commissioner Whitmer. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development. II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 9, 2024 Commissioner Taylor moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to approved the minutes of the May 9, 2024 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. IV. NEW BUSINESS Application for a Class E and E Café Liquor License – 1918 Winter Street Illinois LLC d/b/a Mariano’s – 625 S. Main Street Mr. Kozik stated that the prospective new owner of Mariano’s, 1918 Winter Street Illinois LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of C&S Wholesale Groceries, has applied for a Class E and E Café S Liquor License for the existing Mariano’s grocery store located at 625 S. Main Street. Attorney Jennifer R. Niesen, who was in attendance virtually, stated that her client will continue to operate the business with no significant planned changes that would impact operations or the sale of alcoholic beverages. Ms. Niesen indicated that the Seller plans to continue to operate the premises under its existing licenses until the anticipated October 1st Closing Date. Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to recommend that a Class E and E Café Liquor License be issued to 1918 Winter Street Illinois LLC d/b/a Mariano’s located at 625 S. Main Street. On a roll call vote, all voted aye. Application for a Class I Liquor License – Bari Restaurant Group, Inc. d/b/a Positano Ristorante Wheaton – 120 E. Liberty Drive Mr. Kozik stated that Bari Restaurant Group, Inc. d/b/a Positano Ristorante Wheaton has applied for a Class I Liquor License (full liquor with lounge) for their proposed restaurant to be located in the former Wok-n-Fire space at 120 E. Liberty Drive. Mr. Kozik stated that while new restrooms are being added and the restaurant is to be redecorated, the general floorplan of the proposed restaurant will be largely unchanged from that of Wok-n-Fire. WHEATON LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION MEETING August 15, 2024 In response to a question from Chair Pearse, Mr. Bill Burris, owner, stated that they have not had any liquor violations at their Oak Brook Terrace location and stated it is his restaurants policy to card everyone seeking to purchase alcohol. Hearing no further questions or comments, Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to recommend a Class I Liquor License be issued to Bari Restaurant Group, Inc. d/b/a Positano Ristorante Wheaton located at 120 E. Liberty Drive. On a roll call vote, all voted aye. Courtyard Review – Warren’s Ale House, LLC d/b/a Warren’s Ale House – 51 Town Square Wheaton Mr. Kozik stated that as part of an interior remodeling of their restaurant, Warren’s Ale House, LLC d/b/a Warren’s Ale House has submitted an application to the City for a review of a proposed Courtyard they wish to construct near their front door on the “inner circle” of the Town Square Shopping Center. Mr. Kozik stated that Section 6-3 of the City Code defines a Courtyard as a seasonal open-air area used for the service of food and alcohol. Depending upon the nature and use of the surrounding properties and subject to review and approval by the liquor control commission, a courtyard may be required to be delineated by screening or a barrier. Courtyard seating shall not be counted towards any minimum seating standard required by this chapter. Mr. Jorge Hernandez, owner of Warren’s Ale House, stated that as illustrated on the site plan, the proposed courtyard will be separated from the shopping center’s “inner circle” parking area by an open metal fence. Mr. Hernandez further stated that signage regarding keeping drinks within the courtyard area will be posted. Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Taylor moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to approve the proposed courtyard as presented. On a roll call vote, all voted aye. Liquor Code Amendment – Proposed Liquor License Classification - Class U Liquor License – Craft Cocktail Lounge Mr. Kozik stated that staff, at the request of a prospective business owner, has prepared for the Commission’s consideration, a proposed amendment to the Liquor Code which would create a new liquor license classification (Class U Craft Cocktail Lounge). Mr. Kozik stated that the proposed license classification for the anticipated use has been modeled on a license classification utilized by a similar business located in Downtown Glen Ellyn and Wheaton’s existing requirements for a Class Y License (Private Craft Cocktail Lounge). Commissioner Taylor stated that he visited the similar business in Downtown Glen Ellyn as was not impressed with the food offerings. Following a discussion of the “food requirements” in Section B of the draft classification, the Commission agreed that the language regarding outside food should be struck- out from the draft stating the business itself should provide the food offerings. WHEATON LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION MEETING August 15, 2024 Commissioner Taylor stated that while the proposed Class U License Classification would have limited applicability and is consistent with other such classifications that have been created to accommodate various businesses in the City, he would be voting against the proposal. Hearing no further questions or comments, Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to recommend approval of the proposed Class U License Classification as revised. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Taylor voting no and the rest of the Commission voting aye. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 P.M. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning and Economic Development