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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: April 30, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.
PURPOSE:
To increase the number of Class D: Downtown Fringe On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A 100% ownership change of Company 251 at 251 S River Street will occur in May of 2026 and the new owners, The Poppy Estate, LLC, require a liquor license for their event venue.
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 Poppy Estate, LLC d/b/a The Poppy Estate has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for on-site consumption during events held at their venue. The Poppy Estate is equipped with a kitchen and the premises has been operated as an event venue by Company 251 for many years. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol at prearranged events where food is also served by a caterer.
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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