Applicant seeks to relocate liquor store to Regency Point Plaza; council to review special-use permit and operating conditions

Planning staff told the committee-of-the-whole that Grecue OM LLC, doing business as Lockport Liquor, requested a special-use permit to relocate a package-goods liquor store to 1059 East 9th Street in the Regency Point Shopping Center and asked the council to place ordinance 26015 on the June 17 agenda.

"This is a relocation of a liquor license from the State Street Pantry location," planning staff said, noting that no on-site consumption would be permitted and that the applicant committed to security systems including cameras and alarms. Staff also said the proposed use is consistent with the plaza’s commercial zoning.

Council members and neighbors raised concerns about prior issues at the State Street location and asked about hours of operation and window displays. The applicant’s attorney said the owner operates two well-run stores in Chicago and would bring a more professional approach to the new site. The applicant supplied addresses of two existing stores in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood and said he would work with city staff on storefront appearance and compliance with ordinances.

The applicant proposed hours of 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–midnight Friday–Saturday and 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Sunday. Staff said the mayor’s liquor commissioner and the city had discussed conditions, including closure of the prior problematic location if the new location’s license is used, and recommended the ordinance be placed on the June 17 council agenda for action or consent.

Council directed staff to coordinate permitting details and to bring the ordinance back for council consideration with any recommended operational conditions.