Local Liquor Commission

April 8, 2021 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE Chair Taylor called the November 12, 2020 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: Chair Taylor, Commissioner Pearse, Commissioner Wolgemuth (via Zoom). Absent: Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Sender. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development. II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 12, 2020 Commissioner Pearse moved and Commissioner Wolgemuth seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2020 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. IV. NEW BUSINESS Outdoor Special Event Liquor License - Memorial Park - Wheaton Park District June 4-5, 25- 26, July 9-10, 23-24, August 7-8, September 10-11 (Summer Entertainment Series Weekend Concerts) Ms. Kristina Nemetz, Superintendent of Marketing & Special Events for the Wheaton Park District was in attendance via Zoom to present the Park District’s Outdoor Special Event Liquor License applications in connection with the Park District’s Summer Entertainment Weekend Series Weekend Concerts at Memorial Park. Ms. Nemetz stated that the dates and times are as follows: June 4, 5-8 pm June 5, 6-9:30 pm; 25-26, 5:30-9:30 pm (both nights); July 9-10, 5:30-9:30 pm (both nights); 23-24, 5:30-9:30 pm (both nights); August 7-8, 12:30-4-30 pm (both days) and September 10-11, 5:30-9:30 pm (both nights). Mr. Kozik stated that in May of 2019, the Council approved Ordinance No. O-2019-21, which authorized the construction and use of a new bandshell at Memorial Park. In March of 2020, the Council approved Ordinance No. O-2020-11, which amended the original ordinance to permit the sale of alcohol for events at Memorial Park subject to the issuance of an Outdoor Special Event Liquor License for each event. WHEATON LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION MEETING April 8, 2021 Ms. Nemetz stated that due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions (Phase 4), events at memorial Park will operate at 25% capacity. If Bridge Phase 4.5 (increase to 60% capacity) or Phase 5 (100% capacity) is reached, the district plans to adjust their layout to allow for more tickets to be sold for each of the events. This capacity increase and restrictions will follow the guidance from the State. Ms. Nemetz provided a site plan which indicated the point of entry and exit for each of the sections. Tickets are required and will need to be shown on mobile devices to enter the park. They will be scanned touch-free by Wheaton Park District staff or volunteers. Masks are required for entry into the park. At the time of entry, the ticket holder will receive a color-coded wristband which will assign them to a section/concession area (these sections may change in Bridge Phase 4.5 - it will be based on guidance from the State). Ticket holders will put the wristband on themselves, prior to leaving the entrance area. Ms. Nemetz stated that If a guest wants to purchase an alcoholic beverage, a 21+ additional wristband will be required to be placed on their wrist along with the section wristband. Again, this will have to be secured by the individual in front of staff and these will not be handed out. Purchases must be made from your coordinating section concession area and to purchase beer or wine, the guest must be wearing 2 wristbands (age verifier and section verifier). Ms. Nemetz stated that all wine and beer is required to be consumed while seated in their defined ticketing section, no standing room or open drinking or eating area will be available or permitted during the Phase 4 event guidelines and all liquor sold will be prepackaged and opened by the consumer to ensure safety. Ms. Nemetz also stated that hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be made readily available for guests, staff, and volunteers throughout the park. Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Pearse moved and Commissioner Wolgemuth seconded a motion to recommend approval of the Outdoor Special Event Liquor Licenses in connection with the Park Districts Summer Entertainment Series Weekend Concerts as presented. On a roll call vote, all voted aye. V. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS There was no miscellaneous business. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:12P.M. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning and Economic Development