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St. Charles gas station could be first in city allowed to sell liquor

Just a few weeks after making liquor sales legal at gas stations, St. Charles aldermen are poised to approve the first such business to begin those sales. If the plan moves forward, convenience stores are next in line.

Aldermen voted July 5 to allow alcohol sales at gas stations of at least 10,000 square feet. It was at that time a new divide arose on the city council.

In their votes, Aldermen Ron Silakaitis, Rita Payleitner and Maureen Lewis have shown reluctance to expand alcohol sales in the city. The remaining seven aldermen have mostly supported the expansion with an eye toward growing the city's retail base.

This week, the Shell gas station at 307 W. Main St. presented a plan to sell beer, liquor and wine for the first time. According to the city's new rules, such sales can't occupy more than 10 percent of the gross square footage of the establishment.

Silkaitis, who also serves as a city liquor commissioner, quizzed police Chief James Keegan on how the department will enforce the 10 percent rule. Keegan explained his officers make frequent visits to every business that has a liquor license to ensure compliance. It didn't sway Silkaitis' opinion.

"I don't think we need to start selling alcohol at gas stations," he said. "We're pushing it too far."

Lewis and Payleitner agreed, saying their "no" votes are in regard to the expansion of alcohol sales, not the Shell station's particular plan.

"Our liquor sales have become convenient enough without this option," Payleitner said.

The other five aldermen in attendance all voted in favor of allowing alcohol sales at the Shell station. They will take one final vote on the plan after Labor Day. That sets the stage for another expansion of packaged alcohol sales in the city.

Liquor commissioners received a proposed change to city code this week that would allow alcohol sales at free-standing convenience stores, like a 7-Eleven, under the same parameters as gas stations.

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