Mahomet Study Session - BOOZE!

Posted May 11th, 2007 at 09:25 AM by redstatewannabe
in

I attended the study session last night.  Here are some of the highlights:

  • Doesn't look like Mahomet will require keg permits, at least not initially.
  • A rep from a local gas station requested that the village codify a mandatory carding policy.  This would give all his employees selling beer "an out" if pressured by a customer ('sorry, its the village law, we card everyone').  I think the village will probably do this.
  • There seemed to be some desire to create 2 levels of restaurant licenses, to give smaller restaurants a break in the annual fee.
  • Bar closing times 2am, package sales allowed pretty early in mornings, and no special Sunday sales restrictions.

The biggest issue seemed to be the "Class A" (bar) liquor license.  There were at least a couple folks in the crowd who thought maybe "0" would be the right number of these licenses to make available.  The village trustees also expressed that they had heard from numerous citizens that their biggest concern was "Main Street turning into a row of bars".  But, on the flip side, there was implication by some trustees that there are at least a couple annexation agreements that would bring some existing bars into the village.  It seemed like some of the trustees were reluctant to do anything that might jeopardize this occurrence.

The study session will be continued on Monday night after a "Big, Small, All" presentation, and should start around 6:30pm.

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
On May 11th, 2007 at 10:52 AM, Anonymous (not verified) said:

Downtown does not have enough buildings big enough for bars. I can only think of maybe 5 on the street that would work. I dont think they are for sale or rent. Plus parking in downtown would be tough.

cheesy poofs's picture
On May 11th, 2007 at 11:16 AM, cheesy poofs said:

Why would anyone choose to open a bar in Illinois and subject themselves to all the government over-regulation?  (sarcasm off)

I have an idea, let's allow the market to decide the number and location of bars in Mahomet! 

redstatewannabe's picture
On May 11th, 2007 at 11:33 AM, redstatewannabe said:

I dont think they are for sale or rent.

Everything is for sale for the right price.

redstatewannabe's picture
On May 11th, 2007 at 12:05 PM, redstatewannabe said:

Another note I forgot to mention - it looks like there will be exceptions carved out that will allow the gas stations and restaurants near schools to obtain licenses.  You should be able to get a beer with your Monical's pizza in the not-to-distant future.

redstatewannabe's picture
On May 14th, 2007 at 10:13 AM, redstatewannabe said:

Reminder:  the second study session should begin tonight around 6:30pm.  Head on over to village hall if you want your voice heard.