Council considers one-time liquor-license discount to encourage storefront security upgrades after series of break-ins

Councilmembers discussed a proposal to offer a one-time discount on liquor-license renewal fees to help existing liquor stores install physical deterrents after a series of smash-and-grab incidents.

A council member said several liquor stores have reported break-ins and that some new businesses were required to install a “hardening” system as a condition of approval. Staff described a range of security-device costs — from roughly $1,000 to more than $20,000 in individual cases — and said some owners had installed tasteful roll‑down or reinforced closures in consultation with police.

The staff proposal would not be an annual rebate but a one-time discount on the next liquor-license renewal (staff mentioned a 10–20 percent discount as a concept). Staff said they prefer a discount—rather than a full rebate—so the village can influence design standards and avoid encouraging low-quality devices that detract from streetscape. Several council members supported exploring the idea and asked staff to bring a draft program for consideration. Staff emphasized that permit and building‑code requirements and possible building-permit implications would need to be addressed if a store installs such deterrents.

Some council members noted the village could already require new liquor stores to include a hardening system as a condition of approval; the proposal targets existing businesses. The discussion produced no ordinance or vote; staff will return to a future meeting with a formal proposal if a majority of council members want to proceed.