Naperville may allow earlier Sunday liquor sales

Sunday morning grocery shoppers, also looking to top off the beer fridge before kickoff, may get some help from their councilmen this September.

The city's liquor commission Thursday recommended that the council approve an amendment to allow packaged liquor sales at 10 a.m. on Sundays for a one-year trial period. Currently alcohol aisles are off limits until noon.

"We're trying to let folks do all their shopping at once," said Mayor George Pradel, who also serves as liquor commissioner, noting that Commissioner Scott Wehrli "really made the pitch that people's work hours have changed and shopping habits of changed and we need to adapt.

"And it makes sense to help out those folks stocking up before the game while keeping the money in the city."

Pradel said local Jewel stores showed shoppers have gone to other towns to do shopping and buy beer on Sundays. Pradel said city staff learned about 50 percent of surrounding municipalities allowed packaged alcohol sales to start at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Jewel spokeswoman Karen May said the chain is cooperating with the city, but would not discuss the proposal.

Pradel said he anticipates the council taking up the recommendation on Sept. 7, just in time for the Bears' Sept. 12 opener against the Detroit Lions.

Members of the liquor commission also debated and ultimately decided not to push closing time at local bars back one hour to 2 a.m.