Lake Zurich wants to help businesses with revised liquor code

Lake Zurich might reduce the number of liquor license classifications and set consistent hours for alcohol sales in what officials say would be another move toward making it easier for businesses to operate in the village.

Innovation Director Michael Duebner reviewed the proposed liquor code changes at a meeting Wednesday. Mayor Thomas Poynton, who doubles as liquor commissioner, and Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dale Perrin were among those who attended the informal session.

Duebner said work on simplifying and revising the regulations began in June and included input from restaurant representatives, retailers and Lake Zurich police, who enforce local laws. He said the village does not want the liquor code to restrict businesses.

"It's been a collaborative process," Duebner said. "We have involved members of the business community at the early stages, and then we've sent out draft codes and gathered their feedback on it, and had additional follow-up conversations. We really feel that this is a partnership with the businesses that are in our community."

Poynton said the proposed liquor license changes, which would be effective Jan. 1, are part of the village's effort to cut red tape for businesses. In an action hailed as business-friendly in September, elected officials eliminated a requirement for an informal village board review of certain development proposals before starting the official approval process.

Lake Zurich has 28 distinct classifications for 62 liquor license holders. Duebner said the number of classifications should be cut to 18 before the village board is scheduled to vote on the proposal Monday, Dec. 5.

Under the proposed changes, retailers, restaurants and most other licensees would be allowed to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Village officials said this would be a significant improvement because there are too many time periods in the current licensing structure.

Perrin questioned the need for a time limit for alcohol sales, saying it should be a business decision.

In response, Police Chief Steven Husak said Lake Zurich is a family-oriented residential community where it's appropriate to end alcohol sales at 2 a.m. He said Lake Zurich residents need to travel only a few miles south on Rand Road, to unincorporated Cook County, if they want alcohol throughout the early morning hours.

Village Manager Ray Keller said alcohol sales typically mirror a community.

"This is not downtown Chicago," he said. "The experience and the expectation in the (Lake Zurich) community is not to be out until 4 a.m."

Another change in the liquor code would merge Lake Zurich's beer- and wine-only and full-service classes into one license permitting package sales.