Normal Town Council expected to vote Monday on fee waiver to aid liquor license holders

Posted on December 21, 2020
The resolution calls for businesses defying state COVID guidelines to pay the license renewal fees within 30 days after they’re found to have violated the rules. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – The Normal Town Council is expected to take final action Monday night to spare local bars and restaurants from paying liquor license renewal fees for the coming year.

Staff prepared a resolution at the council’s urging because of financial hardships facing those businesses, which are not allowed to serve customers inside their establishments to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Waiving the renewal fees will cost the town government $95,400 in expected revenue in February and March, when most businesses pay those fees.

“The proposed waiver of 2021 liquor license fees for certain license holders recognizes the unprecedented challenges restaurants, caterers, theaters, hotels and brew pups have faced during the pandemic due to operational restrictions associated with Restore Illinois regulations,” the staff’s report to the council said.

The resolution calls for businesses defying state COVID guidelines to pay the license renewal fees within 30 days after they’re found to have violated the rules.

The council meets virtually Monday at 7 p.m. The meeting can be seen on the town government’s YouTube channel.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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