Local Liquor Commission

October 27, 2022 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE Chair Taylor called the October 27, 2022 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 Sender, Chair Taylor and Commissioner Whitmer. Absent: Commissioner Pearse. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development. II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 11, 2022 Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Sender seconded a motion to recommend approval of the minutes of the August 11, 2022 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. IV. NEW BUSINESS Liquor Code Amendment – Proposed Liquor License Classification - Class Y Liquor License – Private Craft Cocktail Lounge - Application for a Class Y License – Subourbon LLC -121 W. Front Street Mr. Kozik stated that the Commission has been asked to review a proposed amendment to the Liquor Code regarding the creation of a new liquor license classification (Class Y Private Craft Cocktail Lounge) and an application for a Class Y liquor license. Mr. Kozik stated that both the amendment and license application has been submitted by Subourbon LLC, who seeks to open a +/- 75 seat private craft cocktail lounge in an existing lower-level space at 121 W. Front Street (former Emmett’s Brewing Company). 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 standards for a Class A and B License. Mr. Kozik stated that the proposed Liquor Code amendment creates a definition for a private craft cocktail bar, standards for the license classification, fees and hours of business. WHEATON LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION MEETING October 27, 2022 Chair Taylor stated that for the sake of transparency that spouses of two members of the Liquor Commission either are/or intend to be members of the proposed business being discussed this evening. Members of the Commission then discussed the private nature of the proposed classification as well as how guests and day passes would be administered. Chair Taylor expressed some concern regarding the creation of such a classification but stated that he will nevertheless vote in favor of recommending it to the City Council. Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Whittmer seconded a motion to recommend approval of the proposed amendment to the Liquor Code pertaining to the creations of a Class Y License. On a voice vote all voted aye. Regarding the license application, Mr. Kozik stated that should the Class Y license classification be approved, the applicant, Subourbon LLC, seeks such a license to open a +/- 75 seat private craft cocktail lounge in an existing lower-level space at 121 W. Front Street (former Emmett’s Brewing Company). The main entrance to the space will be through the rear entrance (elevator lobby) to the former Emmett’s Brewing Company adjacent to Parking Lot #2. A secondary means of egress will be provided to Front Street. Mr. Kozik stated that the applicant indicates that it is their intention that the business would have no more than 150 private members. Only those members are allowed in. On occasion, the applicant indicates that day passes for non-members will be available. To receive a day pass, the applicant indicates that a non-member would need to apply and their visit would limited to an hour and a half. A limited menu of food items would be available at all times that alcoholic liquor is available for consumption. When questioned about training and policies to prevent overserving, prospective manager Mike Melazzo described what is practiced at his business in Glen Ellyn and at other higher quality hospitality businesses. When questioned by Chair Taylor about a possible opening date, co-owner Eric Schlickman responded January. Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Whittmer moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to recommend approval of an application for a Class Y license to Subourbon LLC, 121 W. Front Street. On a voice vote all voted aye. V. ADJOURNMENT Chair Taylor stated that in accordance with the new rule changes adopted by the Mayor and City Council pertaining to Boards and Commissions, although he will remain on the Commission, he will be stepping down in his role as Chair in January. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 P.M. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning and Economic Development