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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: May 10, 2022
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Sec. 6-2 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the self-service of alcohol.
PURPOSE:
To update the Code to meet the changing needs of the entertainment and service industries and to allow flexibility in the locations where self-service alcohol can be offered.
BACKGROUND:
Early in the COVID pandemic in 2020, the liquor code was modified to include the self-service endorsement for licensees in entertainment districts. At the time this ordinance was adopted, this was a new concept in the City and availability was limited to established entertainment districts. Subsequently, one business obtained this endorsement and has operated with the self-service endorsement in the Fox Valley Mall Entertainment District for over a year. This business has operated throughout the pandemic and there have been no reported violations stemming from the self-service operation, due to safety precautions and good management. The same model can operate outside of an entertainment district.
DISCUSSION:
It is appropriate to support the self-service business model by removing the entertainment district requirement and allowing self-service in locations outside of entertainment districts. As we know, the service industry is experiencing staffing shortages and self-service can assist businesses experiencing staffing shortages in some circumstances. Additionally, in the current COVID environment, people may prefer to have less direct contact with servers and obtain their own beverages from the tap. The self-service concept allows for an efficient, safe and well-monitored operation with less staff than is required by a full-service operation. When self-service was first approved in Aurora, this was a new concept to the City and it made sense to limit the allowable locations. Now that self-service has been successful in the Fox Valley Entertainment Distr...
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