Alderman Schulter Introduces New Liquor License

During today's meeting of the City Council, Alderman Gene Schulter (47) introduced changes to the City of Chicago's liquor license ordinance to create a new liquor license category that will offer a less costly option for local restaurateurs. 

The new beer and wine restaurant license will authorize restaurants to offer beer and wine to their customers at a much lower license fee.  As proposed, a two-year beer and wine restaurant license will cost the business owner $1600. 

"As Chair of the Committee on License and Consumer Protection," notes Alderman Schulter, "my goal has always been to create license categories that benefit local business owners.  Small business owners and local restaurateurs were concerned about the substantial costs of an incidental liquor license when they only planned to offer a selection of wine and beer.  This new license category will give entrepreneurs more options."

"Alderman Schulter's ordinance establishes a new option that will appeal to both restaurant operators and community groups," states Sheila O'Grady, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association.  "It is a great example of creating attractive alternatives for small business owners who want to invest in the City of Chicago."

The proposed changes were referred to the Committee on License and Consumer Protection for further discussion.