Local Liquor Commission

LOCAL LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION March 8, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE Chair Taylor called the January 11, 2018 meeting of the Local Liquor Control Commission meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 West Wesley Street. Upon roll call, the following were present: Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Pearse, Commissioner Sender, Chair Taylor. Absent: Commissioner Wolgemuth. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development. II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 13, 2017 Commissioner Pearse moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2017 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. IV. NEW BUSINESS Proposes Class M Liquor License Amendment Mr. Kozik stated that an application for an amendment to the regulations of the Class M liquor license classification which would increase the maximum allowable size store from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet has been submitted by Dry City Brew Works LLC. Mr. Kozik stated that Dry City Brew Works LLC, a retail beer store and microbrewery has been open in the downtown at 120 B Main Street (rear) since 2014. They currently have a Class M and Class O Liquor License. The Class M Liquor License Classification is a liquor license classification that permits the retail sale and on premise consumption of beer, ale, and/or wine in a small, retail setting. The City currently has one other Class M licensee, Tasting DeVine, located in the downtown at 127 W. Front Street. The Class O license classification authorizes the manufacture of beer for retail sale and consumption and is a supplemental license for premises holding a Class I or M license. Dry City Brew Works LLC is the only Class O licensee in the City. Recently, Dry City Brew Works LLC has negotiated a lease with their landlord to expand into the space in front of their business at 120 N Main St (formerly occupied by Joan’s Place, a home décor retailer), which would increase the size of their store footprint to ~2200 square feet. Mr. Kozik stated that Subsection b. of the Class M license classification limits the maximum store size to 1,500 square feet. Dry City Brew Works LLC indicates that they would utilize the additional square footage for additional seating. Mr. Kozik stated that it is staff’s opinion that a store the size being proposed, although larger than what is currently allowed, still maintains a “small shop” retail setting. Following a discussion of the proposed request, Commissioner Pearse moved and Commissioner Sender seconded a motion to approve an amendment to the regulations of the Class M liquor license classification  Local Liquor Control Commission Meeting January 11, 2018 Page 2 of 2 to increase the maximum allowable size store from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. On a voice vote, all voted aye. The motion carried unanimously. IV. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS There was no miscellaneous business. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning and Economic Development