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Council amends catering endorsement to allow cash bars at private events
Summary
Council voted to amend section 10‑67 so Belvidere liquor licensees may cater alcohol without requiring a food package and to clarify outdoor sales consistent with the street code. The change is intended to ease hosting of private events at community venues and reduce reliance on special event permits limited to three per year.
The city attorney presented proposed amendments to section 10‑67 of the municipal code to allow a local Belvidere liquor licensee to cater alcohol at off‑site private events without the current requirement that alcohol be sold only as part of a packaged food deal. The attorney said the amendment would permit a licensed local provider to run a cash bar at closed events in community venues while preventing an unrestricted open public bar.
The attorney also said the changes would clarify outdoor sales to align with the existing street‑use code. Alderman McPherson asked whether a graduated fee schedule would be appropriate for organizations that host many events; the attorney said the current licensing and renewal fees already apply and that the proposed change is intended to expand compliance options for community venues including the community building and the Funderburg House. Council voted in favor of the consolidated amendment.
