Batavia to allow alcohol sales an hour earlier

Batavia will soon let people buy liquor, wine and beer an hour earlier.

Aldermen on Tuesday directed Mayor Jeff Schielke, who is the city's liquor commissioner, to issue an order allowing sales to start at 8 a.m. Aldermen also plan to revise the city's liquor law to reflect the new start time.

The move came about because a resident told Alderman Abby Beck that they have been unable to purchase alcoholic beverages while shopping during the special early-morning hours some stores have set aside for senior citizens and persons at high risk of catching COVID-19. Beck relayed the suggestion to the city administrator.

Beck did not take part in Tuesday's discussion because she has a liquor license and it is a conflict of interest for her to discuss and vote on items that concern liquor sales.

Police Chief Dan Eul said the department had no concerns about adding the hour.

The change will be in effect for all license categories, not just stores, and will apply every day of the week.