Machesney Park liquor commission recommends KC Store for liquor and gaming licenses

The Machesney Park Liquor Commission at its May 2025 meeting voted unanimously to forward Ordinance 16-25, recommending the Village Board approve KC Store’s application for Class GC and Class G liquor licenses for a convenience store at 9601 Forest Hills Road, including five gaming terminals.

A village staff member told the commission that KC Store currently holds a Class B license at the address and is applying for a Class GC license — which “allows for on premises consumption of beer and wine at gas stations and convenience stores” — and a Class G license for supplemental gaming. The staff member said the applicant has paid for five gaming terminals and that the adjacent properties are all businesses, including Meijer, Menards and First Mid Bank and Trust, with no homes nearby.

“After reviewing the criteria in the application, the business meets the intent of the license,” the staff member said. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 16-25 with conditions and also recommended amending the village code to reduce the cap on Class GC licenses from six to three to account for two existing Class GC holders plus this application.

Trustee Sipes moved to approve Ordinance 16-25 for forwarding; Trustee Trickey seconded. With a roll call showing four officials present, the commission chair called for a voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried with all voting in favor. The commission noted the applicant was not present and there were no members of the public who addressed the commission on this agenda item.

Minutes from the commission’s April 7 meeting were approved earlier in the session by motion of Trustee Sipes, seconded by Trustee Trickey. The commission adjourned after completing its agenda.

Ordinance 16-25 will go to the Village Board agenda on May 19 with the Liquor Commission’s positive recommendation.