Monee Village officials have approved an ordinance allowing patrons to bring wine and beer into restaurants that normally do not serve alcohol.
The proposed Bring Your Own Beverage ordinance drew mixed reactions from trustees in ongoing discussions that began last November, but it was unanimously approved during last week’s board meeting.
Trustee John Henson, one of those who initially expressed misgivings about the proposal, asked Village Attorney Larry Gryczewski for affirmation that, “Should problems arise, it can be taken away, if there should be any issues, right?”
Gryczewski said that restaurants allowed to have the new BYOB would be governed by the same regulations as all other liquor licenses.
“So the mayor has the right to, if deemed appropriate by the board, have a hearing to either suspend or revoke a license,” he said.
Henson said, “I agree with it. I just hope and pray that everything works out.”
Police Chief Scott Koerner assured the board in previous discussions any problems that might surface would be dealt with and kept under control.
Before the vote last week, Trustee Chuck Rakis asked Koerner if he still felt that way.
“The only thing,” he said, “…and I’ve spoken with him on the side…Chief, is there anything you have to add to this at all?”
Koerner replied, “No, sir.”
Under the new ordinance, only commercially manufactured beer and wine will be allowed, with a two-drink limit per patron.
Patrons must be seated at tables or booths, and only patrons who brought the alcohol into the restaurant will be allowed to consume it. Only those who order and are served a meal may consume the wine or beer.
The alcoholic beverages must be opened only by restaurant personnel, and any bottles of unfinished alcohol must be securely sealed and placed in a tamper-proof bag before they are taken home.
BYOB will be allowed between noon and 11 p.m.
The ordinance follows the Illinois State age restriction of 21 years and older.
Restaurant personnel serving the alcohol must be certified in a Bassett program licensed by the State of Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
The annual fee for the BYOB license is $700.
The ordinance takes effect immediately.