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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Deb Lang, Assistant Corporation Counsel
Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: May 6, 2021
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending provisions of the Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance pertaining to procedural requirements involved in the liquor licensing process.
PURPOSE:
Sections of Chapter 6 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances were modified in 2020 and staff has been reviewing Chapter 6 to determine if additional modifications are needed in addition to the 2020 changes. Based upon this review, staff is proposing the following amendments to several of the procedural sections of Chapter 6 so as to clarify the process for applicants and subsequent license holders.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance contains many specific procedural steps that must be followed by business owners during the application and renewal processes as well as in the event a business chooses to change their business structure, ownership, or management. The current version of the ordinance contains the information that businesses need to guide their actions; however, the information is difficult to locate and, at times, difficult to interpret. The City Clerk's Office frequently receives inquiries from business owners who are either unable to locate the necessary information in the ordinance or have difficulty interpreting the requirements as currently articulated in the ordinance. The proposed changes are intended to make the ordinance easier for the business owners to navigate and interpret.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed changes will provide clarity for liquor license applicants and current license holders as to the application and renewal application requirements. The changes also clarify processes required after the issuance of a license in the event there are changes in the business structure, ownership, or management. These amendments will result in increased ease of use by City of Aurora business owners.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that these amendments be forward to the Committee of the Whole for full Council review.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance amending the Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance pertaining to procedural requirements involved in the liquor licensing process.
body
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, the City Council finds that it is appropriate and in the best interest of the City to amend Sec. 6-4, Sec. 6-5, Sec. 6-6, Sec. 6-7, Sec. 6-19 and Sec. 6-20 of the Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance to clarify procedural requirements and improve the overall liquor licensing process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance shall be and hereby is amended as set forth in said "Exhibit A."
Section Two: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Three: That all Ordinances or part of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar as any conflict exists.
Section Four: That any section, phrase or paragraph of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid, void or unconstitutional shall not affect the remaining sections, phrases, or paragraphs of this Ordinance which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section Five: That the City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be published in pamphlet form upon its passage.