Council backs change to Class F license to allow limited beer and wine at personal-care businesses

The Warrenville City Council recommended Sept. 8 that the city update its Class F liquor license to permit limited beer and wine sales as an accessory offering in personal-care businesses such as barbershops and nail salons.

Amy Emery, the city’s community and economic development director, said the Class F license was created for gallery spaces but has never been issued. "The proposal aligns with what we see in many of our comparable communities, which have businesses today that offer wine, beer, and champagne at places like barbershops or hair salons," Emery said, describing restrictions drafted in the agenda materials to ensure alcohol remains accessory to the primary service.

Emery told council the ordinance as drafted would set requirements and that the number of licenses would remain at zero until an application is submitted and the council approves an increase. She named two businesses that might apply if the code changes — Excel Barber in Sutton Square Center and Jazza Nails in Cantera — but said any applications would follow multi-department review and only be issued after inspection and required documentation.

In response to questions from Alderman Weidner, Emery said the offering would be part of a business’s service menu rather than an event permit, and that liquor licenses would be subject to annual renewal, inspections and required insurance. She also noted that Illinois dram-shop requirements apply and must be satisfied at the state level before a local license can issue.

Alderman Berry moved to recommend passage of the ordinance amending section 3-2-7 of the Warrenville City Code regarding Class F license requirements; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will forward the ordinance recommendation for formal council consideration and any applications would be processed under the new code if and when the council increases the number of available licenses.