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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: October 1, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of liquor licenses by class.
PURPOSE:
To approve the change of ownership of a currently licensed business and maintain the current number of Class B liquor licenses. Koziol's Midwest Tavern, LLC is taking over the operations at 444 N Eola Rd, Units 111-112, Aurora, and has applied to sell alcohol for on-site consumption only.
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:
Koziol's Midwest Tavern, LLC dba Koziol's Midwest Tavern will be taking over ownership of the business currently located at 444 N Eola Rd, Units 111-112, Paulie's Pub and Grille. Koziol's Midwest Tavern, LLC will have 100% ownership of the business and has applied for a liquor license for the purposes of selling alcohol for on-site consumption only. Paulie's Pub and Grille has been a liquor licensed establishment for many years, however, new ownership will be completely rebranding the business to make a more family-friendly atmosphere and discontinue the late-night club atmosphere that became prominent after the sale of the business by long-time owners in 2023. Attached is the application submitted for your consideration. If approved, this resolution will maintain the number of Class B licenses, as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A, and will allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner to the new owners. City staff will continue to work with the applicants to insure 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 revenue to the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends 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 B: Onsite Consumption liquor licenses, (unofficially related to the application from Koziol's Midwest Tavern, LLC dba Koziol's Midwest Tavern). [Ward 7]
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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 maintain 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.