Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Dining topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hinsdale board approves Portostino liquor license, considers all‑day license class and OKs sidewalk dining
Summary
The Village Board approved a liquor license for Portostino LLC, introduced a new all‑day B6 license concept (to be formally authorized later) and granted an outdoor dining permit for Gone Grazy at 19 W. First St.
The Village Board on June 10 approved a liquor license for Portostino LLC at 114 S. Washington St., advanced discussion of a new all‑day restaurant liquor license, and granted an outdoor dining permit to a downtown business.
Portostino owners requested an immediate waiver of the second reading so they could resume operations. Owner Colin described hardship tied to high downtown rents and a series of events that forced a temporary closure, saying, “if we can't, get the wave, we will not be able to continue to hold on to the space.” The board discussed a proposed minor ordinance amendment to require licensees who use rear alleys for customer access to maintain a safe, unobstructed route and to avoid placing signage or other obstructions without written village approval; trustees moved to adopt those license conditions alongside the Portostino ordinance. The ordinance granting Portostino a class B2 and B4 license passed on roll call.
Separately, trustees reviewed a proposal to create a new B6 class license that would allow restaurants to serve alcohol at all meal periods (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Hinsdale Prime Steak requested the new B6 license and a renewal of a BYOB (B3) license; the board introduced the ordinance to create the B6 license and agreed the village president, as liquor commissioner, will later award the specific license. That item was placed on the read calendar for a future meeting rather than finalized tonight.
Downtown sidewalk dining: The board waived the reading and approved an outdoor dining permit for Gone Grazy at 19 West First Street to operate from June 11 through Oct. 31, subject to final inspection and any conditions imposed by the building commissioner or fire department.
Why it matters: The actions affect downtown hospitality operations and public‑way use. The board’s license‑condition language clarifies licensee responsibilities for alley maintenance and public‑way access, which trustees framed as a public‑safety and streetscape issue.
What’s next: Portostino may move forward pending state licensing; Hinsdale Prime must return for final allocation of a B6 license from the liquor commissioner; restaurant operators with alley access should plan for required maintenance and prior written approvals for obstructions.
