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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: September 20, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.
PURPOSE:
To maintain the number of Class C: Specialty On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. Foreign Exchange Brewing, Inc., d/b/a Foreign Exchange Brewing Company, is opening a new Brewery/Taproom at 110 Cross St in Aurora and was previously approved for a City of Aurora liquor license pursuant to R21-329 on November 23, 2021. Due to unforeseen delays in construction, the liquor license has not been issued by the city. The ownership of the company has subsequently been expanded and ownership has changed more than 50% since the initial license approval, therefore, the City Council must approve this ownership change prior to the issuance of the liquor license.
BACKGROUND:
This request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City's Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.
DISCUSSION:
Foreign Exchange Brewing, Inc. d/b/a Foreign Exchange Brewing Company, is opening a new Brewery/Taproom at 110 Cross St in Aurora. A liquor license was approved in 2021 for a brewery/taproom liquor license to enable them to manufacture beer and sell their beer for consumption on-site and off-site. The ownership of the company has changed and City Council approval is required to amend the ownership prior to the issuance of the liquor license.
Attached is the application submitted for your consideration. If approved, this resolution will maintain the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff has been working with the business owners to ensure that all requirements for a liquor license, as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances, are met.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed resolution presents an opportunity to further the City of Aurora's economic development and to bring additional business and people to the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that this resolution be approved.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class C: Specialty On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Foreign Exchange Brewing, Inc. at 110 Cross St, Aurora). [Ward 4]
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 4-1 of the Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS 5/4-1, and Section 6-9 of the City of Aurora Liquor Ordinance, the City Council may establish the maximum number of allowed liquor licenses within the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 6-9, it is the desire of the City Council to increase the maximum number of allowed liquor licenses within the City of Aurora as reflected in the schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the allowable liquor licenses are established as set forth in Exhibit A.