Palatine approves plan for liquor store, over objections of competitor
Plans for a new liquor and tobacco store won approval this week from the Palatine village council, despite a potential competitor’s claims it could attract crime to the area.
Millennium Cigar and Liquor will open in a three-unit shopping center at 235 W. Northwest Highway, under the proposal backed by council members Monday.
It will move into a 3,140-square-foot space previously occupied by Team Rehabilitation and join Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway in the retail center. The business will include a walk-in humidor and walk-in cooler.
But the owner of what would become a rival business, George’s Wine and Spirits at 146 W. Northwest Highway, told council members having too many liquor stores on one road can be dangerous.
“High concentrations of liquor stores can attract more criminal activity,” Iba Swaiss wrote in a letter he brought to the meeting. “Liquor stores are common targets for theft because they often have cash on hand and valuable merchandise like alcohol.”
Swaiss noted that his store suffered three break-ins during one 10-day period.
He also raised concerns about having a liquor store next door to businesses like Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts, which could attract kids. And he acknowledged the new store could cost him business.
Ben Vyverberg, Palatine’s director of planning and zoning, said Millennium will be prohibited from selling THC and CBD products. To sell those, the business would have to return to the council seeking a special use amendment.
The store will install security measures to address crime prevention or safety concerns through the building permit process and a review by Palatine police, Vyverberg added.