It is so rewarding when policy makers read the IlliniPundit. Good things start to happen and you apply common sense.
http://www.wicd15.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wicd_vid_1525.shtml
The mayor said in the report that, "This is the one thing that I will not tolerate."
I must ask, what the heck is that one thing? Where was that one thing communicated? How was that message expected to reach the bar owners?
The mayor knew about the bar crawl but did not send out an email or any indication of his desires, but today he (courtesty of staff) sent out the email you see below. Isn't it so nice when you're nice enough to take time to outline your expections in advance and work together. Congratulations! This is how it should have have been for the bar crawl as well! It is clear that this communication capability was possible and it's a shame he couldn't simply indicate his concerns in advance. Then again, the "force the bar to 21" scheme wouldn't have worked.
The TV reported the mayor is "taking heat". Oh yeah, wait until the marketing campaign starts!
Ben Handleman (bhandleman@wicd15.com), if you are going to reference this blog as a source/reference on story where you get paid to report on, please give the Illini Pundit his due respect. Unlike you, nobody here gets paid. The least you can do is give credit where credit is due. For the record, you did a great job on the story. : )
Update: Illinipundit.com was cited as source at bottom of screen.
From an email from the Mayor today:
Licensees:
Please find attached 2 documents:
1. Holiday Party & New Years Eve Event Reminder note on Happy Hour
2. 2010 TIPS and BEST training schedule
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jerry Schweighart
December 15, 2009
To: Owners / Managers
On Premise Liquor License Holders
From: Gerald Schweighart
Liquor Commissioner
Re: Holiday Party’s and New Year’s Eve events
Dear Licensee,
With the holidays upon us, may of you are involved in private parties and related holiday activities. Some of you are in the final stages of planning for New Year’s Eve functions. During this period, it is not uncommon for city staff to field a large number of questions related to these events and the legality of certain types of activities. Our goal is to help you be successful with your event and remain within the legal guidelines of the city and state.
To that end we wanted to share with you the specific section of the Illinois Liquor Control Act that focuses on “Happy Hour” as well as an article from Richard Haymaker, ILCC Chief Legal Counsel that addresses their interpretation of “Private Functions”.
In discussions with representatives from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission it is apparent that any publicly advertised event with tickets that are sold in advance or offered for sale at the door and offer unlimited drinks are a violation of the state code. There can be no unlimited or open bars offered under this circumstance or any non private function as they have defined.
Event packages which include a meal and drinks may be developed and offered but must limit the number of drinks available to the customer. Please keep in mind that if the number of drinks offered in this package would likely produce intoxication in the guest, the licensee is opening themselves up to civil and or criminal liability. The customer will likely want to consume all drinks offered which will make it more difficult for the server to cut them off if needed.
Event packages that are alcohol only are not allowed according to the statute. Please keep in mind that the sale of alcohol to an intoxicated subject is a violation at both state and local levels.
The City of Champaign will be investigating any complaints related to these types of promotions and take enforcement action as necessary.
It is our hope that you will have safe and profitable holiday events. Again we are very interested in seeing you be successful while being compliant with the law. As city staff we are more than willing to help you with these issues and to promote a safe holiday season. Feel free to contact the Legal Department at 217-403-8765 or the Alcohol Enforcement Office at 217-403-6914.
Happy Holidays
Cheers!