North Aurora salons may get to serve beer, wine

Getting a haircut or a mani-pedi in North Aurora could soon be a more relaxing experience, as the village board favors letting salons serve beer and wine to patrons.

"Everyone knows that if you go to a salon, there is a good chance that they may offer you a glass of wine," Village Administrator Steven Bosco told the village board Monday at a committee-of-the-whole meeting. He said several business owners have asked the village for a liquor license.

He suggests the board create a Class L license for salons, barbershops, manicure/pedicure places and stores that have salons in them. It would allow the businesses to sell beer or wine by the glass.

Only people receiving a service could imbibe.

Bosco proposes setting the license fee at $100, as alcohol sales wouldn't be the primary source of the salons' income.

"There are a lot of places that are probably giving people the liquor," Bosco said. But according to the village's attorney, Kevin Drendel, state law prohibits giving away alcohol in connection with commercial activity.

"I think it is a great idea," Trustee Laura Curtis said, adding that she has enjoyed a glass of wine while having a pedicure.

Neighboring Batavia created a liquor license category for businesses such as salons and jewelry stores to be able to serve liquor. Naperville also allows it. In Wheeling, there is a funeral home with a liquor license.

North Aurora staff will draw up the change in the liquor ordinance. No date was set for a vote.