Des Plaines Theatre to sell alcohol

The Des Plaines city council Monday night unanimously approved a Class A liquor license for the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St.

The city is charging the theater owners an initial fee of $3,850 for the license, with an annual renewal fee of $1,925.

Resident Brian Burkross questioned why the longtime movie theater should be allowed to serve liquor.

“I thought the long-term plans for the theater was to reopen and be available to families and kids,” Burkross said. “My concern is underage drinking. I’ve never seen another theater serve alcohol.”

Des Plaines 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten, a supporter of the historic vaudeville theater’s revival, said alcohol is served at many suburban theaters, including the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan and Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

“I’m sure they’re going to have to be careful just like any other bars and restaurants,” Walsten said. “It’s an entertainment venue, not just (for) movies.”

Walsten added that the restored theater is set up to accommodate concerts, plays and other performances.

With the license, the theater is allowed to serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.