Bensenville looking to provide relief to restaurants, small businesses

Bensenville is planning to reduce liquor license renewal fees by 50% for 2021 to help restaurants and small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

Trustees are expected to vote on the measure on Nov. 17. Also on the agenda is the village's proposed 2021 budget which features no property tax increases.

"While we know this is a challenging time for everyone, we are committed to supporting our local small businesses and restaurants more than ever," Village President Frank DeSimone in a statement. "We hope the liquor renewal fee reduction and holding property taxes flat will provide some much needed relief while we continue the fight against COVID-19."

Village Manager Evan Summers said trustees are largely on board with the license fee cut, despite an estimated loss of $28,000 in revenue. Most liquor license renewals in Bensenville range between $2,300 to $3,125.

"Our budget is pretty healthy in 2020, so we have a little bit of breathing room," Summers said.

News of the liquor license renewal reduction was welcomed by Mike Munro, the majority owner of Green Street Grille in Bensenville. He estimates his restaurant's business has been down 40% since statewide coronavirus restrictions began in March.

"In these trying times, $1,500 is a lot of money for us," Munro said, "We're an anchor restaurant in a growing downtown business district for Bensenville. They want to see us be successful, and we're appreciative of their assistance."

Munro also considers himself lucky that Green Street Grille has its own outdoor patio, so the restaurant doesn't have to rely solely on takeout orders while the current indoor dining ban is in effect.

When asked whether Bensenville was planning to enforce the indoor dining ban, Summers said they would respond on a case-by-case basis based upon complaints of noncompliance.

"We know these restaurants aren't generating the revenue they historically generate off alcohol sales. That's why it makes sense to cut the costs a bit," Summers said. "Restaurants are not given enough credit for what they do and how important they are. They really help set the culture and tone of a community."