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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 City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.
PURPOSE:
To increase the number of Class C: Specialty On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A new business, BIY Purse Lounge, LLC, dba Bag It Yourself at 55 S Lake St, has submitted an application for an Arts Facility License.
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:
BIY Purse Lounge, LLC, dba Bag It Yourself has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol containing less than 15% ABV for on-site consumption in conjunction with the purchase of services offered by their art facility, namely, private and pre-scheduled crafts/purse decorating classes. If approved, this liquor license will allow alcohol to be consumed on-site only, with a limit of no more than two (2) drinks per patron per calendar day during a pre-planned Bag It Yourself class. A BASSET trained employee will be present at all times alcohol is consumed on premises.
Attached is their liquor license application for your consideration. If approved, this resolution will increase the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff has been working 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 for this business owner to expand her business concept and broaden her customer base to include those who enjoy a small amount of alcohol with their services. The addition of this liquor license will further the City of Aurora's economic development and bring additional business and people to the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class C: Specialty On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from BIY Purse Lounge, LLC dba Bag It Yourself at 55 S Lake St. [Ward 2]
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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 and self-service endorsements 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.