ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 3 of the CODE of the City of Peoria to Allow Class K (Rental Hall) and Subclass 10 (Restaurant with Off-site Catering) to Have CASH BAR at OFF-SITE CATERED FUNCTIONS only for Events at Premises with a Class M (BYOB) License.
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BACKGROUND:
On March 10, 2015, the City Council adopted Ordinance No.17,204, which amended Chapter 3 of the City Code to create Class M liquor license that allowed a 501(c)(3) that is located within the Riverfront Entertainment District to operate as a BYOB. This allowed a BYOB club in the limited area to operate with less likelihood of negatively impacting residents, while supporting the live and vivacious environment of the Riverfront Entertainment District. Since there is no requirement that the location itself has to have site approval for the class of liquor license, the holder of Class M liquor license could utilize licensed caterers to serve alcohol in conjunction with the service of meals for private events.
While Class M liquor license allowed a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization to have live entertainment functions with their patrons to bring their own alcoholic drinks, it was soon realized that there was a growing need for catered events such as weddings to have cash bars at the events in order to meet the demands of the event organizers renting the space for private functions. Currently, any off-site catered functions even for private events cannot have cash bars, all alcohol sale must be done through bulk sale with the event organizer and individuals cannot be charged for their alcoholic drinks.
This instant Ordinance will amend Chapter 3 of the Code of the City of Peoria to allow Class K (Rental Hall) and Subclass 10 (Restaurant with Off-site Catering) to have cash bars at off-site catered functions for events at Class M (BYOB) licensed premises. The loosening of cash bar restrictions for off-site events would only apply to Class M licensed location, thus there should be very low risk of the problem of a traveling “bar” throughout the City, especially in the residential areas. In addition a Class K (Rental Hall) or Subclass 10 (Restaurant with Off-Site Catering) even with this amendment, must still serve alcohol in conjunction with the service of a meal and the event must be a private function.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Not applicable.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Not applicable.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Will allow a premises operated by a Class M (BYOB) license holder to have cash bars at events catered by Class K (Rental Hall) or Subclass 10 (Restaurant with Off-site Catering) licensee.
IMPACT IF DENIED: Continue the restriction that prohibits cash bars at off-site functions.
ALTERNATIVES: Not applicable.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Not applicable.
DEPARTMENT: Legal