DuPage County Fair seeks liquor license

DuPage County Fair organizers want the summertime staple to get wet.

Since its inception, fairgoers have been able to wet their whistles only with nonalcoholic fare. However, organizers are hopeful beer and wine sales will lead to increased interest and revenues at the five-day event every July.

The county board Tuesday unanimously approved an amendment to the 34-year-old lease agreement with the fair association that would allow liquor sales on the county owned fairgrounds in Wheaton. The move paves the way for fair organizers to seek a liquor license from the city of Wheaton.

Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk said he's unaware of the fair association's plans, but welcomed them to apply for any of them 20 or so liquor licenses the city offers that may fit their needs.

“There are details that will have to be explored,” he said. “There's one license we offer ... and it allows four different events a year.”

Wheaton City Manager Don Rose said the association has not yet applied. Rose said the city's liquor commission would hold a hearing on the application and make a recommendation to the city council, which is ultimately responsible for distributing liquor licenses.

“Historically, there's been a mixed bag happening out at the fair, and whether adding alcohol to an event like that is something for the council to decide,” Rose said. “It's a decision the city would review and other departments like the police department would have input on as well.”

Selling alcohol at the fair when the lease agreement was signed in 1976 wasn't much of an issue because at the time the entire city of Wheaton was dry. It wasn't until the 1980s that Wheaton began allowing the sale of alcohol within its borders.

“We're only talking about events and things that are run by the fair association where we'd allow liquor sales,” said Jim McGuire, fair association president.

Attendance of the annual event has waned in recent years, officials said. This year's event was even themed “Come Back to the Fair.”

McGuire said the county is home to several microbreweries and wineries, which would be a good fit for the fair's overall agricultural backdrop. He is also hopeful wineries from neighboring states would be interested in participating if alcohol sales are allowed.

State Agriculture Department officials said they don't keep track of which county fairs are wet or dry. However, alcohol sales are allowed at the state fair, but the beverages can be consumed only inside designated tents.