Par Patel tells Villa Park commission he plans to buy local store and seeks pouring/tasting license

Par Patel told the Villa Park Liquor Control Commission on April 7 that he and his family plan to purchase a local liquor store (he referred to it as "Foremost Liquor") and seek permission to hold in-store tastings and small community events.

Patel said the current owners have operated the store for about a year and a half and that his family has decades of retail liquor experience. "We want to come in, facelift the store, remodel, stock the inventory and do events and community gatherings with tasting occasionally," he said, adding he expects to invest roughly $200,000 to $250,000 in inventory.

Patel asked about applying for a pouring or tasting license so local distributors could sample products on site. He also raised the possibility that a pouring license could enable video gaming operations under state rules in the future, and said he would consider adding limited snack or food options to the store.

Staff advised Patel to submit the formal application documents to village staff. "You need to submit your applications with Julie," a staff member said; commissioners and staff indicated they could discuss details after the meeting and that formal review could not proceed until an application and background information were submitted.

Why it matters: an on-premise (pouring/tasting) license would change what the store may offer to customers and could affect neighborhood traffic, local competition, and regulatory oversight; any change requires formal application, background checks and, if necessary, a public-license review.

Next steps: Patel was told to file the required forms and background materials with staff (Julie). The commission will consider any completed applications at a future meeting and follow applicable village ordinance and state licensing procedures.