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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1988M I N U T E S LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD April 18, 1988 Present: Joan W. Barr, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Julian Coleman, Board Member Donald Heyrman, Board Member Jean Alexander, Board Member ' Absent: None Others Present: Curtis L. Sharp Ernest Jacobi, Chief of Police Herbert Hill, First Assistant Corporation Counsel Robert A. Shank, Finance Director Place: Mayor's Office, Evanston Civic Center Monday, April 18, 1988 Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:30 PM and considered the following agenda items. AGENDA - Review and Discussion of Corporation Counsel's legal opinions regarding DiCholo Liquor License. - Consideration of a request by Food For Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd., to recommend a new classification of the City's license law to --allow them to serve liquor with their catering service. - Review of City of Evanston Liquor License Procedures Review and Discussion of Corporation Counsel's legal opinions regarding DiCholo Liquor License The Board voted to go into Executive Session to discus this item. The Board reconvened in open session at 8:00 PM. Consideration of a request by Food For Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd., to recommend a new classification of the City's license law to allow them to serve liquor with their catering service The Chair (Mayor Barr) recognized Mr. Curtis Sharp, the owner of Food for Thought Catering Specialists, Inc. Minutes Liquor Control Review Board Page 2 Mr. Sharp noted that the Evanston City Code does not presently permit a liquor license to be issued to any corporation, partnership or individual whose principal business is catering. Mr. Sharp stated that catering businesses located in Chicago and many other nearby cities and villages are permitted to qualify for and acquire local liquor licenses. He stated that this is a disadvantage to Evanston caterers as they compete for corporate and private affairs located both within and outside of Evanston. Mr. Sharp stated that he understands that the City Code can be amended to permit a liquor license classification for caterers. Mr. Hill stated that the City Council can vote to create a new class for caterers. The Chair observed that enforcement of the Evanston law with regard to sale to minors would be difficult to enforce for licensed catered affairs held outside the City of Evanston. Mr. Heyrman stated that a catering business category was never considered when the liquor license law was first enacted in 1972. He stated that a catering category would be a desirable category to authorize. Mr. Coleman agreed with Mr. Heyrman. Ms. Alexander expressed concern about how to enforce the sale of liquor to minors at catered affairs held outside the City. Mr. Heyrman stated that policing involved with service to consumers outside of Evanston might not be a Evanston responsibility but a local responsibility. The Chair asked if the private party, as opposed to the catering company, might be responsible. After further discussion the Chair requested Mr. Hill to research the " responsibility for enforcement of sale to minors, if a catering category would be authorized by the City. Specifically, for catered affairs provided by Evanston licensed caterers outside_ of the City, which public entity would be responsible for enforcement? For -example for affairs in Chicago would the Evanston police be responsible or the Chicago police? The Chair requested Mr. Shonk to search to see if other Illinois cities or villages provide a separate liquor license category for caterers. The Chair then continued this topic for further consideration by the Board at its next meeting. Review of Liquor License Procedures The Board next reviewed the Liquor license investigaticn procedures as drafted by Mr. Shonk. Discussion centered around the section dealing with procedures connected with the annual renewal of liquor licenses. Chief Jacobi stated that it normally takes the Police ten days to perform an investigation of licensees due for renewal. This does not include a fingerprint check. The Board decided to change the draft procedures in order to require each licensee to file their executed renewal form and J Minutes Liquor Control Review Board Page 3 payment with Finance Director no later than thirty days prior to the expiration date of the license. The Finance Director is then to forward the form to the Mayor. The Board discussed whether to change the renewal date of all liquor licenses to January second of each year. Currently each licensee renewal date is different and is determined by reference to the date the license was first issued. The Board decided to retain the anniversary date basis. The Board then adjourned the meeting at 9:15 PM. Finance Director, City of Evanston Secretary, Liquor Control Review Board I Is M I N U T E S LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD June 7, 1988 Present: Joan W. Barr, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Julian Coleman. Board Member Jean Alexander, Board Member Absent: Donald Heyrman, Board Member Others Present: Robert A. Shank, Finance Director Place: Mayor's Office, Evanston Civic Center Tuesday, June 7. 1988 at 7:30 PM. Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:30 PH and considered the following agenda items. AGENDA - Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston City Code to permit the issuance of a Class D liquor license to The Golden Olympic Restaurant, Inc.. located at 1608 Chicago Avenue. - Review and Discussion of Corporation Counsel's legal opinions regarding the request by Food For Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd., to recommend a new classification of the City's license law to allow caterers to serve liquor with their service. The Golden Olympic Restaurant, Inc. Class D liquor license application. Mr. Travlos, the owner of this corporation was present at the meeting. Mr. Travlos stated that he has held ownership in the restaurant since 1977 and expanded the restaurant in 1987. Now he wishes to acquire a Class D license in order to be able to serve beer and wine to his customers. He stated he believes this is necessary because he is losing business to other Evanston restaurants who have liquor licenses. Mayor Barr asked Mr. Travlos if he was aware of the requirements of the Evanston liquor license code. Mr. Travlos stated he was She reminded Mr. Travlos that only beer and wine can be served with a Class D license. She stated that no hard liquor is permitted. Mayor Barr stated that no bar is permitted with a Class D license. She stated that a meal must be always served with beer or wine. She stated -hat a meal must consist of at least two courses. . op Minutes Liquor Control Review Board Page 2. Mayor Barr stated that no sale of alcoholic beverages to minors is ever permitted. She stated that Evanston liquor laws are firmly enforced. Mr. Travlos stated that he is honest and hard working and would always follow the Evanston liquor laws. In response to queries by the Board, Mr. Travlos stated that there are now 90 seats in his restaurant and he has smoking and non-smoking areas. The restaurant opens at 6 AM. and features breakfast at all times. He was informed that the age of beer and wine servers must be at least 18. He was advised of the requirements of the 5% Evanston liquor license tax. After further discussion and review, the members of the Board voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council that a Class D liquor license be issued to the applicant. Food for Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd. Next the Board reviewed the legal opinion of the Corporation Counsel. The opinion held that the City Council could, by ordinance, create a classification of caterer's licenses and limit the number of such licenses. The opinion stated that municipal liquor licenses cannot be enforced outside the corporate limits but any violations of the State law could be the grounds for suspension, revocation or other disciplinary action taken against a caterer who violated State liquor laws. The Board then engaged in a general discussion of the activities of caterers in other cities in the provision of alcoholic beverages. Mr. Shonk was directed to secure information from the City of Chicago and the Village of Schaumburg with regard to the existence and administration of liquor licenses on caterers. The Board then adjourned the meeting at 9:30 PM. f rex7C n A'1,4 k Finance Director, City of Evanston Secretary. Liquor Control Review Board MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD October 12, 1988 Present: Joan W. Barr, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner' Julian Coleman, Board Member Jean Alexander, Board Member Donald Heyrman, Board Member Others Present: Robert A. Shonk, Finance Director President Andrew N. Cothran, Kendall College Ms. Ann Faulkner, Kendall College Alderman Marjorie Collens Mrs. Curtis L. Sharp Mr. Alphones Soudan, Jr. Place: Mayor's Office, Evanston Civic Center Wednesday, October 12, 1988 at 7:30 P.M. Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:30 P.M. and considered the following agenda items: AGENDA Review and discussion of Kendall College President, Andrew N. Cothran's request to enable the Culinary School of Kendall College to serve/sell wine and beer in its new dining room. Review and discussion of request by Food For Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd. to recommend a new classification of the City's Liquor License Law to allow caterers to serve liquor with their food service. Review of procedures currently utilized to transmit requests for liquor license increases to Administration and Public Worms Committee and City Council. Review of list of current liquor license applications now being reviewed by the Police Department. Review and discussion of Chicago's -Evanston Inc. Ltd.'s request for a liquor license. MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD PAGE TWO Kendall College's Request for Dining Room Liquor License President Andrew N. Cothran and his associate, Ms. Ann Faulkner, were present to present this request. President Cothran stated that there are about 190 students enrolled in the Culinary Program. Just recently, the College expended $3,500,000 to rehabilitate the premises. This included a new dining room and display kitchen. He stated the dining room is open to the public and guests in order to provide food preparation and food service experience for the culinary students. He noted a growing demand in Chicago for Kendall Culinary School grads. President Cothran stated at the present time dining room guests are permitted to bring in their alcoholic beverages with them. However, this provides no experience in the selection, presentation, and service of alcoholic beverages for the students. The curriculum of the Culinary ` School includes a wine and alcoholic beverage segment. He stated the student ought to have the opportunity to take full advantage of this important aspect of food service. He stated that students need to learn to serve wines matched to the cuisine being served. He stated that Kendall College is nut in the business to make money but only to cover costs necessary to educate the students. In that respect, Kendall does not wish a liquor license in order to become a commercial entity, but only to allow full completion of the educational curriculum. In response to a query by Mayor Barr, President Cothran, stated the College ' wanted a liquor license only for the Culinary School dining room. _ Alderman Collens observed that even though Kendal? College is in a University zone, it is virtually surrounded by neight�:—hood areas. She stated that there has been more traffic and activity in the area caused by the start up of the Culinary School. This has been reported by the neighbors. She reported that the neighborhood is tense about the dining room and are concerned with any possible expansion. She noted that a liquor license would make the dining room look more like a restaurant. President Cothran stated that the covenant signed wi_.' City 1imi:zd the number of culinary students to a maximum of 254 and there are 153 enrolled now. He stated that the dining room and the a�joining banquet room seating is limited to a maximum of 134 people. Ms. Alexander asked President Cothran if he feels a license would bring more of the public to the dining room. President Cothran answered no. He stated that he understands the feelings of the :eighbors, but the school is only interested in providing the full curricu;::7. in food service education for its students. _�'7 MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD PAGE THREE Mayor Barr stated her concern for the feelings of the neighbors. The Culinary School causes more parking noise and boisterous young people than other residential areas have to put up with. Mayor Barr then reviewed the request in summary. She noted the advantages and disadvantages of the request. She recommended that Ken8all College host a public neighborhood meeting at the College in order to explain its request for a City liquor license. President Cothran readily agreed to do this. Alderman Collens stated that this was an excellent idea. Alderman Collens offered to work with President Cothran to set the date and time of the,.aneeting. At the meeting, President Cothran is to present his need for a liquor license. Once the public meeting is held and the input of the neighbors is received, the Liquor Control Review Board will meet and further consider the request. Food For Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd.'s Request That New Evanston Liquor License Class for Caterers be Established Mrs. Sharp, the wife of Mr. Curtis L. Sharp, President of Food For Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd. was present. This request was previously reviewed by the Board at its meeting on June 7, 1988. At that time, Mr. Shonk was directed to secure information from the City of Chicago and the Village of Schaumburg with regard to the existence and administration of liquor licenses on caterers. The Board reviewed the information provided by Mr. Shonk. The information disclosed that there is no separate liquor license classification for caterers either in Chicago or Schaumburg. Chicago issues liquor licenses to caterers under its present Retail Alcoholic Liquor License classification. Schaumburg has never issued a liquor license to a caterer but if requested would consider issuance under its Restaurant classification. Mrs. Sharp stated that most caterers do not have liquor licenses but serve what their client provides. To do this, they must still carry Dram Shop Insurance. They usually charge $1 or $2 for a set-up fee. Mrs. Sharp stated that they are concerned about their liability when they starve liquor supplied by clients. They would prefer to be lizensed. She also noted that corporations who hire caterers expect full beverage service with the catering company providing the liquor. Mayor Barr noted that an amendment to the Evanston liquor license law would be required in order to provide for a Caterer classification. This concept would have to be first discussed with the Administration and Public Works Standing Committee. If that Committee indicated agreement to a change, then the appropriate amending ordinance would Gave to be drafted for City Council introduction. MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD PAGE FOUR Mayor Barr noted a potential difficulty if a Caterer classification were approved. Would this allow pizza and other food delivery services to qualify for catering licenses even though not doing business as caterers. This could occur since the catering business deals in off site food delivery and service. Mrs. Sharp observed that the liquor license classification could be limited to those businesses who both deliver and serve food off site. Alderman Collens noted that another Evanston caterer, Foodstuffs Inc., has a location in Glencoe and has a Glencoe Village Liquor License. She suggested that the Glencoe law be reviewed. Mayor Barr closed the discussion by stating that more information would be obtained. She asked Mr. Shonk to secure the Glencoe Village Code and determine their liquor license qualifications. She also requested that he contact Foodstuffs in Glencoe and find out how they deliver and serve alcoholic beverages at catered events. What are the procedures and how does the Glencoe law cover these activities. Mayor Barr also ordered that other Evanston caterers be requested to attend the next meeting of the Board on this topic. This would include Pordible Edibles and Ratzers. Chicago's -Evanston Inc. Ltd. Application for Class B Liquor License Mr. Alphones Soudan, Jr., the owner of this corporation, was present. Mr. Soudan explained that he had purchased the warehouse building located at 1727 Benson Avenue and is rehabilitating it into a pizza restaurant. He expects to open in January, 1989. He stated that he is spending $500,000 on the rehabilitation and that it will have a "classic" look. No entertainment is planned. Mayor Barr reviewed the Evanston Liquor License Law requirements with Mr. Soudan. She told him that food service must always he available in a restaurant having a Class B License even though a bar is permitted. Mr. Soudan stated that food service would always be available. Mayor Barr stated that no alcoholic beverage can be served to minors under any circumstances. Mr. Soudan stated that he would always abide by this law and all Evanston liquor laws. Mayor Barr warned that :`e would pull the license if minors were ever served. Mr. Soudan stated `,e understood the importance of this law. After further review and discussion by members of the Board, Mayor Barr advised Mr. Soudan to contact the Board about one month from the date of the opening of his restaurant. At that time, she will give final consideration to the application and recommend an amending ordinance to the City Council if approval is granted. 1'7 MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD PAGE FIVE Review of Procedures Currently Utilized to Transmit Requests for Liquor License Increases to Administration and Public Works Committee and the City Council This agenda item resulted from a reference from the Administration and Public Works Standing Committee to the Liquor Control Commissioner. The reference requested the Commissioner (Mayor Barr) to review ways other community Liquor Control Commissioners interact with their City or Village Standing Committee in an effort to establish a more informed process for the Commissioner's recommendations to increase the number of liquor licenses. In response to this request, on August 31, 1988, Mayor Barr directed a letter to the Mayors of seventeen representative villages and cities located in the Chicago metropolitan area asking their procedures. It was observed that ten responses had been received and that in general, the Evanston procedures were more comprehensive and provided more disclosure on liquor license application information than the other communities. Mayor Barr stated that at the time of the review of the Golden Olympic Restaurant application (for a Class D Liquor License) she was asked for background forms filed by the applicant and the Police Report. She refused to give this information to the press or the City Council Standing Committee because it is private information not subject to public review. The Board members then discussed what information should be provided. to the public. Mayor Barr and Mr. Heyrman both stated that background information should not be given to the City Council Standing Committee Mayor Barr noted that liquor license applications are reviewed in public meetings and, if approved, she sends_a memo of recommendation to the City Council along with the amending ordinance. Review of List of Current Liquor License Applications Now Being Reviewed by the Police Department The Board next reviewed the following list. In connection with this, Mayor Barr noted that Stephen B's Restaurant had closed and the liquor license had been voided. 1. Class C Application received August 11, 1988 Tasty Palate Inc.. 505 Bain Street Owner: Sanford P. Shutman 300 Thierry Lane Prospect Heights, Illinois 60070 Plans to purchase Jaton's Restaurant Police Report due November 11, 1988 Im S.� MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD PAGE SIX � '. 2. Class C Application received September 9, 1988 H.U. Eats Corp. 817 University Street Owners: Suren Ipjian and Frank Deberry Sr.. Purchased Stephen B's location Police Report due December 9, 1988 ' The Board then adjourned the meeting at 9:45 P.H. Finance Director, City of Evanston Secretary, Liquor Control Review Board LLMAJUdMILI MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD November 30, 1988 Present: Joan W. Barr, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Julian Coleman, Board Member Jean Alexander, Board Member Donald Heyrman, Board Member Others Present: Robert A. Shonk, Finance Director Mr. Sanford Shutman Mr. Brian Murphy Mr. Raymond Thomas Place: Mayor's Office, Evanston Civic Center Wednesday, November 30, 1988 at 7:30 P.M. Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 7:30 P.M. and considered the following agenda items: AGENDA Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a Class C liquor license to Tasty Palate, Inc., located at 505 Main Street. Review and discussion of request by Food for Thought Catering Specialists, Ltd. to recommend a new classification of the City's Liquor License Law to allow caterers to serve liquor with their food service. Consideration of Creation of Separate Liquor License Category for Caterers Food for Thought Catering Specialists, Limited, had requested that the Commission consider recommending that a separate liquor license category be created for caterers in the City Code. The Corr.mlS sion had reviewed this request at previous meetings and the review was continued to this meeting. The Commission members reviewed a November 18, 1988 memorandum by the Finance Director which listed a survey of Evanston caterers. The memorandum disclosed that Lady Ann Catering, Inc., 1611 Chicago Avenue and Pordible Edibles, 1919 Central Street are also interested in a separate liquor license category for caterers. After further discussion and review, the Commission members voted unanimously to recommend that a new Catering liquor license category be established. Mayor Barr directed that staff prepare a draft of an amending ordinance and present it to the Commission for further review. 'n"� Ih"h I I l�„ IIII Ii IIII�il1�1 M , 1111'111mjllj��11q���lliP���I� �"' ���i�lpgllp� �11 �I�l ll��lh,��l�"T������'pjllj SIL MINUTES LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD NOVEMBER 30, 1988 Page Two Application for Class C Liquor License - Tasty Palate, Inc. 505 Main Street Present were representatives of the applicant including Mr. Sanford Shutman, Mr. Brian Murphy and Mr. Raymond Thomas. The Mayor and Commissioners reviewed the planned operations of the restaurant with the representatives present. The Mayor reviewed the requirements of the Evanston Liquor Law with the applicant. The Mayor stated that upon no condition could alcoholic beverages be served to persons under twenty-one years of age. After further review and discussion, the Liquor Commission voted unanimously to recommend to the Mayor that a Class C liquor license be issued to the applicant. The Board then adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M. Finance Director, City of Evanston Secretary, Liquor Control Review Board