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Aurora, Illinois

File #: 25-0327    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Consent Agenda
File created: 4/14/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 5/27/2025 Final action:
Title: A Resolution maintaining the maximum number of Class D: Downtown Core On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from French 75 Gallery and Lounge, Inc.). [Ward 2]
Attachments: 1. French 75 Floorplan, 2. French 75 Menu, 3. French 75 Application Ownership Change_Redacted, 4. Exhibit A - French 75
cover
TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk

DATE: April 14, 2025

SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.

PURPOSE:
To maintain the number of Class D: Downtown Core On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A business that has been in operation at 56 E Galena for several years, French 75, is being purchased by the son of the current owner - and manager of the current location - Braden Smith. Braden's corporation, French 75 Gallery and Lounge Inc. will take over the business and operate under the name French 75 Gallery and Lounge. Braden will have 100% ownership of the business. Business operations and the layout of the business will not change with the "new" ownership.

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:
French 75 Gallery and Lounge Inc. has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption. Attached is the application submitted for your consideration. This resolution will maintain 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. Additionally, this resolution allows for the continuation of a long-time family business in the City of Aurora.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that this resolution be approved.


cc: Public Health, Safety and Transpo...

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