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Concur with the Liquor Control Review Board and Adopt An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 (“Alcoholic Liquor Dealers”), Article 1 (“General Provisions”), Section 3-1-1 (“Definitions”), Article 4 (“Term And Classification”), Section 3-4-2 (“Classification And Number Of Liquor Licenses And Fees”) And Article 8 (“List Of Licenses For Each Class”), Section 3-8-1 (“Number Of Licenses For Each License Class”) Of The Oak Park Village Code To Include A Class D-20 Cocktail Lounge License
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Introduction
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The addition of this license would permit small-scale establishments to serve alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, and also serve craft cocktails and curated beverage service within a controlled, low-impact environment.
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Recommended Action
Approve the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
Assuming approval of the proposed related Zoning Code text amendment (ORD 26-119), Staff prepared a liquor license classification to align with the cocktail lounge business use.
This license would allow for the retail sale of alcohol for on-site consumption, where food or entertainment are secondary. The licensee would be subject to the following regulations:
• Food must be available for purchase during the hours of operation while alcohol is served. A “late night” menu shall be considered adequate food service. A “late night” menu shall be defined as foods served in small portions which would otherwise qualify as entrees, or foods which could be served as salads or appetizers, or can include prepackaged snack foods such as crackers, chips, or pretzels.
• The floor area of the establishment allowed to serve alcohol cannot exceed a maximum of 2,000 square feet.
• Last call for alcohol must occur 30 minutes before closing.
The cost of the license would be $2,500 annually and staff will limit to not more than 5 class D-20 licenses issued within the Village at any time.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Operations Impact
The Law Department and Development Services Department are primarily responsible for this item. A public meeting was held on March 16, 2026, that was attended by Development Services Staff. The Law Department spends approximately five (5) hours on each liquor license application, which includes preparing meeting minutes and LCRB packets, sending LCRB emails, and attending public hearings. The Development Services Department spends approximately ten (10) to twelve (12) hours on each application, which includes meetings with the applicant, processing the application and subsequent documents, and attending public hearings.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
At its March 16, 2026 special meeting, the Liquor Control Review Board unanimously voted to recommend that the Village Code be amended to add a Class D-20 liquor license.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• Businesses wishing to operate a cocktail lounge would apply for a liquor license that is appropriate for the business type.
• This type of business would support Economic Vitality goals for more nightlife opportunities.
Disadvantages:
• This license may result in the need of increased enforcement past normal business hours.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can reject the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• Staff can spend more time assessing other alternative uses.
Disadvantages:
• Potential business owners who are interested in opening a cocktail lounge would be required to modify their business model to fit another liquor license category.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Administrative Officer/Business Services Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance