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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: February 25, 2021
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Establishing the Maximum Number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class (Ward 6).
PURPOSE:
To increase the number of Class A: Package Sales Liquor Licenses. There is a pending change in ownership of the Foremost Liquors at 133 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora via sale to Aurora Mart, LLC d/b/a Galena Liquors.
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:
The applicant, Aurora Mart, LLC d/b/a Galena Liquors will be located at 133 W. Galena Blvd., the site of the current Foremost Liquors. Laith, Inc., d/b/a Foremost Liquors, was initially issued a liquor license at this location in 2003. There is a proposed ownership change of 100% of the building and the store. The prospective owner, Aurora Mart, LLC, intends to purchase the building and the liquor store and proposes to convert the 2nd floor of the building at 133 W. Galena Blvd. into two apartments. City staff has been working with the applicant regarding proposed updates to the exterior and interior of the store and building.
Attached is the Liquor License Application submitted for your consideration. The applicant is requesting an exemption from the size requirement as there is no change in use for this location. If approved, this resolution would allow for the availability of a Class A: Package Sales Liquor License for the new owner, upon the completion of the business purchase, and will allow for the issuance of the license by the Commissioner. This resolution will maintain the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A as the liquor license currently held by Foremost Liquors will become void upon completion of the change in ownership. 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 allow packaged alcohol to continue to be sold in Aurora's downtown. Additionally, approval of this resolution will allow for some much needed improvements to be made at this highly-visible location.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that this resolution be approved.
cc: Public Health, Safety & Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Aurora Mart, LLC d/b/a Galena Liquors, 133 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora IL 60506) - Ward 6.
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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 and decrease 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.