Government Services Committee Approves Amendments to Liquor Ordinance

The St. Charles Government Services Committee unanimously approved a proposal amending the city’s liquor ordinance that ensures city council will maintain authority to approve liquor licenses.

Alderman Jim Martin said the language included in the amendment preserves council’s right to approve the kind of alcohol sold in town and what kind of licenses can be approved.

Martin said the language in the amendment had previously been in the city liquor ordinance, but somehow had been removed. Prior to the unanimous support of the amended language, Martin said the town liquor commissioner could approve the licenses on his own without consent of council. Martin thanked DeWitte, who also serves as the liquor commissioner, for allowing council to maintain a voice in the licensing process.

Alderman Clifford Carrignan agreed that council should maintain approval of liquor licenses.

One section of the city alcohol ordinance Martin paid particular attention to dealt with Class E temporary liquor licenses. A business with a Class E license can sell alcohol only during special events. The only business in St. Charles with a Class E license is Fox River Harley Davidson, Mayor Donald DeWitte said. DeWitte added that no Class E license has been issued without consent of council. 

The amendment to the code must now be approved by the city council.