Arlington Heights OKs drinks-to-go plan, with wristbands and special cups required
People will be able to sip and stroll with alcoholic beverages in downtown Arlington Heights as soon as this August, as long as they purchase drinks in designated containers from participating businesses and wear wristbands after getting carded.
Those are among the parameters for the “social district” pilot program announced this week at village hall.
Visitors will be able to buy booze from bars and restaurants — 6 of 13 eligible liquor license holders have said they would participate — and take their drinks to go, so long as they don’t leave the Arlington Alfresco outdoor dining zone Vail Avenue and Campbell Street.
Drinks would be available for purchase from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The pilot is expected to launch some time in August and run through Harmony Fest weekend Oct. 2-3.
Village board members still had a lot of questions about logistics and concerns with enforceability — making sure that people don’t leave the designated area with drinks in hand — as well as fears of underage drinking and increased litter.
While the board voted 7-2 to authorize the trial run, some trustees said they wouldn't support making it permanent if disposable plastic cups are part of the equation, amid the village’s sustainability efforts.
Mayor Jim Tinaglia agreed plastic cup waste is one of the things to figure out, but compared the drinks-to-go pilot to how the village’s popular outdoor dining initiative was born of the pandemic and drawn up on the fly.
“For the time being just like with Alfresco, sometime you’ve got to run just a little bit and then perfect how you walk,” Tinaglia said. “And right now if we want to get this going for any amount of time this year, it’s going to take a little bit of creativity and a little bit of running and pacing and rethinking.”
Under preliminary plans, participating businesses would enter into formal agreements with the village to be able to sell alcohol in designated 16-ounce cups. Bartenders would stick on a label identifying the establishment and date of service. Drinkers would be carded and wear a village-approved wristband.
The public works department will install boundary signage and pavement markers delineating the drinking areas. Officials added they will have a dedicated police presence in the area.
A village survey of downtown liquor license holders found six supported the concept, one opposed it, and one was neutral.
Larry Rebodos, owner of Big Shot Piano Lounge, called the idea “brilliant” and hopes it increases foot traffic in the area.
“We do need help. I’ve been watching a decline the past couple years post-pandemic — Alfresco’s been getting quieter,” he said. “More and more communities are coming up starting alfresco zones. … It gives us a point of differentiation. It gives us that additional edge.”
Village officials still have some legalese to take care of. On July 6, the board is set to amend the local liquor code to allow open containers on designated streets, and to permit establishments to sell carry-out alcohol during a designated time frame.