It looks as though one Tinley Park businessman’s Christmas tree sales at his drive-in restaurant probably will get the ax after this holiday season.
Plan commissioners voted unanimously Monday to recommend that the Village Board not substantially change the law that prohibits most for-profit businesses from selling Christmas trees.
The decision came despite a plea from Mike Nix, co-owner of Golf ‘N’ Dogs, 16532 S. Oak Park Ave., to “keep an open mind” on the issue.
Nix had sought permission to sell the trees as a way of keeping his drive-in restaurant/miniature golf course viable in the winter.
In a proposed change of the law, commissioners voted to recommend that non-profit groups, which are allowed to sell the trees, be required to buy a nurseryman’s license from the state to help ensure that the trees are not bug-infested. Businesses that already have a garden department, such as Kmart, also are allowed to sell Christmas trees.
Nix, who has owned Golf ‘N’ Dogs with his father, James, for almost two years, said the decision would force him to “think seriously” about closing in the colder months.
“I hand-pick the trees in Michigan. They’re cut fresh,” Nix said.
Village Trustee Greg Hannon said Nix will be allowed to sell the trees this year because he already has them. The sales also took place last year, according to Nix, because he was not aware they violated village law.
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Hannon said the Village Board likely will follow the Plan Commission’s recommendation.