Restaurant patrons who bring their own bottle of wine to eateries with no liquor license should stay away from the village.
In an effort to clarify the village’s liquor code, commissioners said Monday that they will consider an amendment that specifically bans customers of restaurants or clubs without a liquor license from bringing their own liquor to consume on the premises. Although the village’s current code prohibits any business without a liquor license from allowing liquor to be consumed at that establishment without special permission, it is sometimes ignored. The new amendment now will specify restaurants, clubs, hotels, convenience stores and sexually oriented businesses without a liquor license as those prohibited from allowing customers to bring their own liquor.
Many restaurants without liquor licenses in other municipalities traditionally allow customers to bring their own alcoholic beverage, sometimes charging a “corking fee” to serve the drinks. Downers Grove has never condoned the practice, but the new amendment “really targets the business owners more closely,” said village attorney Daniel Blondin.
Businesses convicted of violating the amendment will face fines ranging from $25 to $500.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the amendment at a Jan. 17 Village Council meeting.