Liquor Sales: La Grange Kid-Oriented Business Abandons Request

LA GRANGE, IL – A business geared toward children has withdrawn its request to sell liquor, according to the village.

Earlier this summer, Waterlemon, 25 La Grange Road, asked for permission to sell beer, wine and liquor.

According to the village, Waterlemon is a combination of a retail children's boutique, café and children's play space.

Opening in 2017, the business has a license that allows adults to bring beer and wine. The license requires employees supervising such private events to be at least 21.

In addition to liquor sales, Waterlemon also asked to reduce the allowable age of employees to 18. It is sticking with that part of the request.

The Village Board is set to consider the request at its meeting Monday. The change would be similar to other businesses with the same type of liquor license, according to a village memo.

In a letter to the village earlier this summer, Waterlemon owner Nina Makovski said it has been tough finding employees who are at least 21. The majority of applicants are 18, 19 or 20, she said.

She also said in the letter that customers have expressed interest in the sale of liquor.

"Therefore it is something I feel confident will be well received by many, not to mention will help boost revenue for my business and the village and would employ new associates," Makovski said.

In a response to a Patch inquiry, Waterlemon acknowledged in an email it was not seeking liquor sales, but did not say why.