Elmhurst Needs Simpler Liquor License System: Mayor

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin said Monday the city has too many types of liquor licenses, an issue that he wants a committee to look into.

Over time, Levin said Elmhurst has created different types of licenses when businesses approach the city with new concepts.

"It would be easier for everyone to take a fresh look," he said during a meeting of the City Council's Public Safety Committee. "What kinds of things in 2022 and 2023 are being done?"

Alderwoman Marti Deuter agreed simplification was needed, so "we don't have a new license for every unique twist" offered by a business.

Alderman Jacob Hill said he understands the city must "shoehorn a bit" when different types of businesses approach the city.

Levin said he planned to ask the Public Safety Committee to examine the issue. He also said liquor license fees should be based, in part, on how often businesses need police assistance.

The discussion came as the committee recommended granting liquor licenses to Ni Hao Asian Cafe and a yet-to-open business, Bottle Theory.