Trustees review Gas and Wash package liquor license; state video-gaming rules prompt concern

Village staff presented Item 2 on Oct. 6: a class G package liquor license application for Gas and Wash, a new gas station and convenience site seeking authorization to sell beer and wine in original packages only. Steve, village staff, told trustees the license is for retail sales of beer and wine in original packaging and is not for on-premises consumption.

Steve cautioned trustees that video gaming is governed by state law and not solely by local ordinance. "Because they qualify as a large truck stop under the state law... that's the reason," he said, explaining that qualifying truck stops can seek video gaming under state statute. Steve said the state definition includes proximity to a freeway interchange (I‑88), acreage thresholds, separate diesel islands and minimum diesel sales and parking for commercial vehicles.

Trustees focused on the number of video-gaming machines possible under state law. A staff speaker observed that being within three road miles of an interstate can raise the allowable count from six to 10 machines; several trustees said the possibility of 10 machines was new information to them and expressed concern. One trustee said, "Ten's a lot," and another said they would vote no on the liquor license in light of the gaming allowance.

Gas and Wash representatives addressed the board. Alex Cugar, vice president of finance for Gas and Wash, described the applicant as family-owned, operating 36 sites, and said the site would include tenants such as Scooters (coffee) and a Woody's Wings concept. Cugar said gaming would be located behind a glass partition with a separate entrance for those 21 and older. "You have to be 21 to enter," he said, describing controls the company uses to restrict access.

Trustees discussed whether the village had been adequately informed about the number of gaming machines associated with truck-stop designation when the business was approved. Staff noted the truck-stop designation and gaming eligibility derive from state law and that the village's local liquor code cannot override that portion of state statute where it applies.

No recorded roll-call vote on the Gas and Wash liquor license appears in the transcript. Several trustees signaled differing opinions — one said they would vote no — and Gas and Wash representatives answered questions before the board moved on to other business.

Ending: The transcript records discussion and public comment from the applicant but does not record a final roll-call vote on the liquor license item in the excerpt provided. Any formal decision would be reflected in subsequent meeting minutes or an ordinance record.