Committee approves C‑4 license for Rec House with self‑pour system; members ask about monitoring

The Government Operations Committee recommended approval of a Class C‑4 liquor license for Rec House LLC, a proposed social entertainment venue at 12 North Third Street that will use a self‑service pour system for beer, wine, cider and seltzer. Chief Steve Clark explained the self‑pour model: after presenting ID and a credit card, guests receive an RFID card or wristband that enables measured pours from a self‑serve tap wall; the PourMyBeer system records ounces poured and automatically deactivates after a 32‑ounce total, and guests must return to staff for reactivation. Clark described the range of glass sizes—as large as 16 ounces and sampling sizes of 5 and 2 ounces—and said staff would monitor consumption in real time and that BASSET‑certified employees would supervise reactivations. A committee member, Vicky, asked whether Rec House would be the only self‑service alcohol provider in Saint Charles and whether staff was comfortable with the monitoring system. “Will they be the only self-service, alcohol provider in Saint Charles?” she asked. Clark replied that he believed it would be the first and said the system’s automatic shutoff and BASSET‑certified staff provided safeguards. The committee approved the recommendation by roll call after the Liquor Control Commission’s unanimous approval earlier that afternoon, according to staff. No public opposition or conditional amendments were recorded in the meeting transcript.