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County staff raise zoning questions as liquor retailers, gas stations seek video gaming access
Summary
Will County staff told the Executive Committee that state rules tying video gaming to on-premise alcohol service are creating land-use complications: packaged-liquor sellers and gas stations that do not meet restaurant definitions may need special use permits or a text amendment to county zoning rules.
Mike Mahoney of the County Executive's office and Marguerite Kenny of Will County Land Use told the Executive Committee that a state requirement linking video gaming licenses to on-premise alcohol service has prompted packaged-liquor retailers and some gas stations in unincorporated Will County to seek changes to local licensing or zoning.
Mahoney said packaged-liquor retailers without on-site consumption and gas stations have contacted county leaders seeking access to video gaming, because Illinois requires on-premise consumption for most video gaming licenses. Kenny explained that county zoning treats packaged-liquor sales and on-site-consumption uses as distinct: a traditional restaurant with sit-down food service typically meets the definition for on-premise consumption, but small packaged-liquor retailers and many gas stations do not. Those retailers that want gaming therefore must either qualify as a restaurant or seek a special-use permit to operate as a bar/tavern in the unincorporated county.
Kenny said the underlying zoning question could be addressed by a text amendment to clarify definitions, or by review of special-use permit standards. Committee members raised multiple concerns: saturation of gaming locations if too many low-footprint operators qualify; public-safety and social-concern implications of expanding locations; parity with municipalities that already allow gaming in a broader set of retail uses; and the county's limited jurisdiction on licenses that are ultimately reviewed at the state level.
Members also discussed tax and revenue effects. County staff said unincorporated Will County collects revenue from video gaming machines in its jurisdiction and that, at the time of the discussion, roughly 19 machines in unincorporated areas generated about $300,000 annually for the county (staff supplied the round number). Several members urged caution about broadly expanding the number of licensed gaming locations; others said allowing gaming in unincorporated retail locations could level the playing field with municipalities that permit it.
Speakers flagged possible legislative shifts: a committee member noted pending state bills or proposals to allow internet-based gaming, which would alter the local picture if passed. Mahoney said the executiveoffice recommended maintaining the countystatus quo for the moment and not pursuing a change to allow pouring at gas stations or packaged retailers in unincorporated areas.
No formal policy change was made at the meeting; county staff said they would return with options if the board requests an ordinance text amendment or other policy action.
