Local Liquor Commission

LOCAL LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION April 12, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE Acting Chair Sender called the April 12, 2018 meeting of the Local Liquor Control Commission meeting to order at 7:00 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 Sender, Commissioner Wolgemuth. Absent: Commissioner Pearse, Chair Taylor. City Staff Present: Tracy Jones, Staff Planner. II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 8, 2018 Commissioner Wolgemuth moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2018 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. IV. OLD BUSINESS PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE LIQUOR CODE - CLASS A, B AND I LIQUOR LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS Mr. Kozik stated that City staff is proposing an amendment to the regulations of the Class A, B and I liquor license classifications which would permit package sales of wine that a licensee sells by the glass and bottle. Mr. Kozik stated that the proposed amendment was developed by City staff following an inquiry by several Downtown restaurants. Currently, Mr. Kozik stated that a Class A, B or I licensee cannot sell a bottle of wine that they serve by the glass or bottle to a customer at retail (known as “package sales”). Mr. Kozik stated that customers often wish to buy a bottle of wine that they enjoy at their favorite restaurant but cannot because the wines that restaurants serve are not sold at retail stores. Mr. Kozik stated that in order for a Class A, B or I licensee to sell a bottle of wine to a customer that they can enjoy at home, the licensee would have to is to open it and then place it in a sealed bag for the customer. This practice makes little sense. In order to provide businesses with a more workable option, the proposed amendment would allow for limited package sales for Class A, B and I licensees. Mr. Jason Sandquist, General Manager of Ivy Restaurant, discussed how his restaurant would benefit from the proposed amendment. Members of the Commission then discussed a small language change to the proposed amendment. Commissioner Pearse then moved and Commissioner Wolgemuth seconded a motion to continue this item to the Commissions next meeting so they may review the text change to the amendment. On a voice vote, all vote aye.  Local Liquor Control Commission Meeting April 12, 2018 Page 2 of 2 APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENSE - CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSE – SNS CREATION, LLC - SUSHI MONO – 230 W. FRONT STREET Mr. Eric Seo, prospective buyer of Sushi Mono Restaurant, stated that he has submitted an application for a Class A liquor license for Sushi Mono. Mr. Seo stated that he is owner of SNS Creation, LLC, a newly formed entity that is purchasing the business from its current owner, Hwando Hospitality Group, Inc. Mr. Seo stated that SNS Creation, LLC will continue to operate the business with no significant planned changes that would impact operations or the sale of alcoholic beverages. Mr. Kozik stated that the City has received and reviewed the attached application and all necessary accompanying documentation. Members of the Commission questioned Mr. Seo about his previous restaurant experience with a liquor license. Commissioner Wolgemuth then moved and Commissioner Sender seconded a motion to recommend to the City Council that a Class A Liquor License be issued to SNS Creation, LLC. On a voice vote, all voted aye. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS There was no miscellaneous business. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning and Economic Development