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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.
PURPOSE:
To increase the number of Class D: Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District liquor licenses. HC Aurora, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Casino Aurora at 2500 N Farnsworth Ave. is scheduled to open this summer and the business has submitted a liquor license application for the VIP Lounge on the casino floor of the facility along with a strolling endorsement.
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:
Hollywood Casino has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in the VIP Lounge on the casino floor of the facility. They have also applied for a strolling endorsement that requires City Council approval.
Attached is the application submitted 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 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 D: Farnsworth Bilter Entertainment District liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from HC Aurora, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Casino Aurora at 2500 N Farnsworth Ave. Ste. 440). [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 and endorsements are established as set forth in Exhibit A.