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Bourbon-auction concept draws cautious support from Vernon Hills board
Summary
Entrepreneurs seeking to open Aged In Oak, a bourbon auction, tasting and packaged‑goods shop at 935 Lakeview Parkway, received informal concept approval; staff said zoning and a new liquor‑license class would be required before any formal approval.
Entrepreneurs proposing 'Aged In Oak' described a mixed online/live bourbon auction business with on‑site tastings, packaged liquor sales, merchandise and occasional in‑person auctions during a Feb. 4 Committee of the Whole meeting. Doug Pantley, a long‑time local business owner, said the concept would include barrel picks from distillers, curated tastings and weekly online auctions.
Staff told the committee that the B‑1 general business district does not currently include an auction as a primary use and that the village’s liquor code lacks a license class combining on‑site tastings with auction sales. Director Jennings said the project would require zoning‑code amendments, a special‑use application for on‑site consumption in the B‑1 district and a tailored liquor license; if the auction component were warehousing/distribution it might belong in another district.
Trustees offered concept‑level support but emphasized the process: formal zoning and liquor‑code amendments and Planning & Zoning review will be required before any license or lease is finalized. Staff recommended the applicants include lease contingencies tied to zoning and liquor approvals to protect the business if formal approvals are delayed.
The board’s feedback was informal; no vote or license action was taken.
