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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: March 29, 2022
SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.
PURPOSE:
To maintain the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. Marmion Abbey d/b/a Abbey Farms is opening a café at 2855 Hart Rd., Aurora and has submitted a liquor license application. Abbey Farms is converting their existing banquet space into the new café. The café is a substantially different use than their previously approved catering license, therefore, we are presenting this new application for the City Council's consideration.
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:
Marmion Abbey d/b/a Abbey Farms has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in a new full-service café. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. The café will offer a full menu including salad, appetizers, flatbread, and desserts.
Attached is the application submitted for your consideration. Note that Abbey Farms has maintained an off-site consumption beer & wine license since 2019 and an on-site consumption catering license since 2014. If approved, the number of allowable liquor licenses will remain the same, as the café on-site consumption license will replace the catering license. The proposed number of allowable liquor licenses are indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the new license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff has been working closely with the business owner 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.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Marmion Abbey d/b/a Abbey Farms at 2855 Hart Rd., Aurora). [Ward 1]
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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.