Cut, blow-dry and a martini? It may happen in Algonquin

Algonquin hair and nail salons may soon be allowed to serve cocktails to customers.

Village officials Tuesday night discussed an ordinance amendment which would permit consumption of alcohol as a secondary use to a primary business, after owners of an Algonquin salon approached the village about serving alcoholic beverages to their customers.

"The request did not fit in any of our three classifications of liquor licenses," village manager William Ganek said.

Currently, an establishment must be classified as a restaurant, a bar or tavern setting, or a liquor or grocery store.

"Here there's a separate business that's not directly related with the sale of alcohol," Ganek said.

Tuesday's discussion was not the first time the liquor-control ordinance came before the village board.

"When the matter came before the village board at the end of October, an audience member at the meeting voiced some concerns. The board said they'd think it over again," he said.

Officials said they were not concerned about the ordinance amendment facilitating underage drinking. "If this passes, we'd simply have this classification on the books," Ganek said.

The business owners still would have to specifically request a liquor license, show proof of insurance, and verify health department requirements. "Any license holder is also subject to the same requirements for getting beverage alcohol sellers and servers education training...all the same rules would apply," he said.

Officials will vote on the ordinance Nov. 20.