The Rundown: Palos Hills City Council Discusses Liquor And Local Business

Late Night Liquor Sales

Palos Tobacco and Liquor, 10160 South Roberts Rd., approached the City Council, asking for an H-1 liquor license designation so the store can sell packaged liquor until 2 a.m. The store is the third, since, to ask for the change. The council voted in favor of allowing staff to draw up an ordinance, subtracting one H license and adding an H-1, effectively allowing sales until 2 a.m. instead of midnight. Aldermen will vote on the change in two weeks.

Although there was no discussion on the issue, Ald. Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward) voted against the motion.

Kleefisch voted in favor of the original license for Palos Mart, whose owner cited nearby locations' later sales, but also voted against an increase for Pantry Plus in March, which passed 9-1.

“I have a concern about the proliferation of extending hours to sell liquor, I just don't think it's a healthy for individuals first of all, but it could also pose a concern for our police department,” Kleefisch said.

He added that he is in no way against measures that help businesses, but after Palos Mart he worried a proliferation of petitioners would come before the council.

“We've had two more requests and I've voted no,” he said. “I'm just concerned about things like the availability for underage drinkers to get their hands on it and I just see a lot of dangers in it. I will vote no again in two weeks [when the council holds a vote to approve the ordinance].”

Kozy Koffee

Ald. Mary Ann Schultz (5th ward) voiced her concern about a sign at that reads “party room for rent.” Owner Joe Cantele attended a Council meeting a few weeks ago and told the council members that “rumors” about Kozy Koffee opening a banquet hall were just that – rumors.

He did say he would be opening a small cafe again, that would serve coffee and soft serve ice cream. Mayor Gerald Bennett explained at that time that as long as private party rooms could be rented, and other customers were not allowed, he would not be considered a “retail coffee shop” and would need to apply for different license.

Cantele also approached the Council in February to announce that he was because of the high cost of doing business in the State of Illinois. The coffee shop on Roberts Road typically closes for winter months and as of yet has not reopened. The mayor said the coffee shop currently has no business license.

Bennett said the both the city and the Cook County Health Department were monitoring the situation and will make sure proper zoning and licensing regulations are followed.

Budget Cuts Avoided

Bennett was happy to share the news that no language in the State Budget sent for Governor Pat Quinn's approval this week reduces the Local Government Distributive Fund, a possibility that had .

“I appreciate our representatives and senators for their support,” Bennett said. “And to see municipal governments come together statewide and residents contact their legislatures over this issue was great – clearly the General Assembly got the message.”

Although pleased with the current action, Bennett agreed with Ald. Frank Williams (5th ward) who said that with the General Assembly, there is no guarantee the issue won't come up again.

“We're going to have to keep watching them on this issue,” Williams said.

Bennett also announced that the city's operating budget (General Fund) ended the recent fiscal year almost $400,000 in the black.

“I want thank department heads and council for making the cuts that we've made over the last couple of years to get us back into the black,” Bennett said. “We hope the recent budget presented will continue on that path.”

Officer Opening

After holding off hiring a new police officer after a resignation last month,  Bennett will authorize the police department to put another officer on the street, bringing the number of full-time officers to 31.

He said the city is still operating by getting “the maximum out of what they have” given the economy, and ideally would have 35 full-time officers.