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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: May 10, 2022
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Sec. 6-2 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the self-service of alcohol.
PURPOSE:
To update the Code to meet the changing needs of the entertainment and service industries and to allow flexibility in the locations where self-service alcohol can be offered.
BACKGROUND:
Early in the COVID pandemic in 2020, the liquor code was modified to include the self-service endorsement for licensees in entertainment districts. At the time this ordinance was adopted, this was a new concept in the City and availability was limited to established entertainment districts. Subsequently, one business obtained this endorsement and has operated with the self-service endorsement in the Fox Valley Mall Entertainment District for over a year. This business has operated throughout the pandemic and there have been no reported violations stemming from the self-service operation, due to safety precautions and good management. The same model can operate outside of an entertainment district.
DISCUSSION:
It is appropriate to support the self-service business model by removing the entertainment district requirement and allowing self-service in locations outside of entertainment districts. As we know, the service industry is experiencing staffing shortages and self-service can assist businesses experiencing staffing shortages in some circumstances. Additionally, in the current COVID environment, people may prefer to have less direct contact with servers and obtain their own beverages from the tap. The self-service concept allows for an efficient, safe and well-monitored operation with less staff than is required by a full-service operation. When self-service was first approved in Aurora, this was a new concept to the City and it made sense to limit the allowable locations. Now that self-service has been successful in the Fox Valley Entertainment District, it is logical that we allow other businesses to implement this business plan, in areas outside of entertainment districts to encourage businesses to keep current with emerging trends in the service industry.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This amendment will encourage economic development in areas outside of the entertainment districts.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that the proposed ordinance be adopted.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedure Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Section 6-2 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the service of alcoholic liquor.
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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 furtherance of its home rule powers, it is necessary and desirable to amend the code regarding the licensing of businesses to sell alcohol and video gaming establishments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That Chapter 6 Sec. 6-2 shall be and hereby is amended as set forth in Exhibit A.
Section Two: That the ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon the passage and approval of the ordinance.
Section Three: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.
Section Four: That any section or provision of this ordinance that is construed to be invalid or void shall not affect the remaining sections or provisions which shall remain in full force and effect thereafter.
Section Five: That the City Clerk and Corporation Counsel are hereby authorized to make any non-substantive or clerical changes to Chapter 6, Sec. 6-2 as necessary for purposes of updating the online municipal code.