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Mundelein police chief opposes allowing gas stations to sell beer, wine

People might find it convenient if Mundelein legalizes beer or wine sales at gas stations, but Police Chief Eric Guenther opposes the proposal.

During a 40-minute discussion Monday night at village hall, Guenther voiced concern about potential sales to minors, saying violations certainly would occur if gas stations are allowed to stock alcohol.

Gas-station clerks are too distracted by the action at the pumps to ensure customers are 21 or older, Guenther said.

Trustees discussed limiting beer sales to six-pack containers and banning the sale of single bottles. When Mayor Steve Lentz asked Guenther if that would help, the chief responded quickly.

"What would be really helpful is not to do it," Guenther said.

Officials discussed the proposal during a committee-of-the-whole meeting. No decisions were made.

Trustees were divided on the proposal, which came up for discussion because of occasional requests from station owners wanting to sell beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages. No such requests are pending now, officials said.

Allowing gas stations to sell liquor could boost sales-tax revenue for road projects, Lentz said.

But Trustee Ed Sullivan said allowing liquor sales at gas stations could cause sales to decrease at other stores in town.

Sullivan favored limiting liquor sales at stations to beer only. He also wants rules that would limit stock to certain areas of stores to reduce shoplifting.

Trustee Ray Semple spoke strongly against allowing liquor sales at gas stations. He was especially concerned about underage drinking and drunken driving.

Plus, Semple said, liquor already can be easily purchased at many places in Mundelein.

"I've never once heard a resident say, 'Ray, it's too hard to buy a can of beer in this town,'" Semple said.

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