cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Deborah Lang, Assistant Corporation Counsel III
Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: February 10, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Sec. 6-2 "Definitions", 6-8 "Classifications" and 6-28 "Hours of Operation" of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of these proposed amendments is to designate the boundaries of and create the currently "Reserved" Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District and to propose specific requirements in the city's Liquor Code pertaining to the new Hollywood Casino. These specific proposed amendments focus on the Definitions, Classifications and Hours of Operation with the goal of creating another successful Entertainment District in the City of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
This process began in 2020 with the City Council approving a "Reserved" Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District at the time significant improvements were made to the Liquor Code. With the development of the new Hollywood Casino, we are now able to finalize this Entertainment District to encompass the entirety of the Casino property.
Staff conducted the standard comparative review of casino properties in Illinois, revealing the need for updates to our Liquor Code to properly license the Casino property and contribute to the maintenance of a safe and regulated environment while trying not to increase the administrative burden on staff.
DISCUSSION:
Sec 6-2 of the Liquor Code would be updated to reflect the Casino Strolling Endorsement to allow strolling in the "indoor or contained area on the casino property." Strolling under Chapter 6 is not a new concept. The City currently has a strolling endorsement solely for the Fox Valley Mall Entertainment District. This endorsement is slightly similar but is limited to the casino with strolling rules similar to casino facilities in other states that have restaurants, spas and the gaming floor located in one building.
Casino Barbershop, Salon or Spa Alcohol Service Endorsement was also added to the Sec 6-2 - Definitions. This used the Barbershop, Salon or Spa Alcohol Service language to update specifically for the Casino spa and to address the use within the Casino property.
The definition of Farnsworth & Bilter Entertainment District was also updated from "reserved." This Entertainment District is limited solely to the casino property and uses the roadways surrounding it to specify the geographical area.
As a comprehensive update, Sec 6-8 was also updated for the Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District. This will allow the casino to have a liquor license to have on-site consumption, specialty on-site consumption, and package sales. This will be known as a Class D - Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District License. The strolling endorsements allowed under this classification will be casino strolling, casino barbershop, salon or spa alcohol service endorsement, and outdoor seating.
Finally, Sec 6-28(d) has been updated to reflect the new classification and to utilize language from the Illinois Gaming Act.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed changes to Chapter 6 will have a positive impact on the current and future business community in Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 6 "Alcoholic Liquor", Sec. 6-2 "Definitions" and Sec. 6-8 "Classifications" of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances.
body
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, the anticipated Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District has been reserved since 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District has now been defined; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District will allow for a more streamlined and uniform liquor licensing process for the licensee(s) in the District and city staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That Chapter 6 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances shall be and hereby is amended as set forth in Exhibit A.
Section Two: That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
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.