Peoria Standard

City of Pekin Liquor Commission met Oct. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Deputy Liquor Commissioner Rick Von Rohr called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. The PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE was led by Police Chief John Dossey.

ROLL CALL

The following members were present for roll call: Police Chief John Dossey, Fire Chief Trent Reeise, Commission Member Dr. Timm Schwartz, Deputy Liquor Commissioner Rick Von Rohr and Liquor Commissioner Mark Luft.

Also present: Attorney Kate Swise, Attorney Jeffrey Gaster and Liquor Commission Secretary Nicole Stewart.

Absent: Commission Member Judy Heisel.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion made by Police Chief John Dossey, seconded by Commission Member Dr. Timm Schwartz to approve the October 27, 2022 agenda. On roll call vote all present voted Aye. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF LIQUOR COMMISSION MINUTES

A motion was made by Police Chief John Dossey, seconded by Commission Member Dr. Timm Schwartz to approve the Liquor Commission Minutes of August 23, 2022. On roll call vote all present voted Aye. Motion carried.

PUBLIC INPUT/COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

Bill Cash, a local business broker, spoke to the Commission regarding a client of his that would like to purchase the old gas station on Sheridan Road that used to also have a hair salon and laundry mat within the plaza. Mr. Cash’s concern was whether or not his client would be allowed to have a liquor store and gaming café within the plaza and still have a gas station. Mr. Cash stated that they are separate addresses and all have separate entrances.

NEW BUSINESS

Recommendation on Modification of the Liquor Code Re: Residency Requirement Recommendation on Modification of the Liquor Code Re: Sale of Alcohol in Theatres

City Attorney, Ms. Kate Swise, presented changes to the Liquor Code with a proposed ordinance outlining the changes to the provisions regarding the sale of alcohol. Ms. Swise explained that the draft changes deleted the prohibition against any business whose principal use was other than to sell alcohol. There had been discussion to allow live play theatres to sell alcohol and rather list the long exceptions the draft ordinance would eliminate the exceptions and put the prohibition on those businesses that disperse motor fuel into vehicles. Ms. Swise also pointed out that the draft ordinance also removed the residency requirement for applicants and managers. Deputy Liquor Commissioner Rick Von Rohr stated that if there were a violation of the liquor code by an establishment on premises, the violation would not be against the manager but a strike against the liquor license. Mayor Luft also stated that it was his opinion that residency should be removed because of the exceptions to corporations such as Walgreens and grocery stores and felt it should be the same across the board not to discriminate against Mom-and-Pop businesses. Discussion among the members followed and all agreed to the draft changes. A motion was made by Commission Member Timm Schwartz, seconded by Fire Chief Trent Reeise, to approve and recommend the draft ordinance as written removing the residency requirement for all liquor applicants and managers and to delete the provisions prohibiting any business whose principal use was other than to sell alcohol except for those that pump motor fuel into vehicles to obtain a liquor license. On roll call vote all present voted Aye. Motion carried.

New Applicant: Famous City Bistro, Inc. dba VIP Lounge, 2800 Court Street

City Attorney, Ms. Kate Swise, reviewed the application and background checks for VIP Lounge and felt that all required documents were satisfactory and the checklist was complete. Deputy Liquor Commissioner Rick Von Rohr stated that the location used to be a Title Loan business and all was approved from the Police Department. Mayor Luft thanked Ken Humphrey for keeping in good communication during his application process and working with the city on what needed to be accomplished to stay within the guidelines of the city code. Ken Humphrey questioned the window shades on the premises and was told by Deputy Liquor Commissioner Rick Von Rohr to just allow for one shade to stay in the up position to allow view from the street. A motion was made by Commission Member Dr. Timm Schwartz seconded by Fire Chief Trent Reeise to approve the application for a liquor license to Famous City Bistro, Inc. dba VIP Lounge. On roll call vote all present voted Aye. Motion carried.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn by Fire Chief Trent Reeise and seconded by Commission Member Dr. Timm Schwartz. On roll call vote all present voted Aye. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 3:09 PM.

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