Plainfield Approves Open-Carry Alcohol Policy For Cruise Nights

PLAINFIELD, IL — Cruise Night-goers will soon be able to consume alcohol while perusing vintage cars in downtown Plainfield.

The Village Board voted 5-1 to approve two ordinances that will allow open carry and consumption at the event. Trustee Brian Wojowski voted in opposition.

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The first ordinance amends the village's code to allow liquor licensees to sell alcohol that can be taken off the premises. The second makes it legal for people to openly carry alcoholic beverage during Cruise Nights.

The Cruise Nights boundaries are Lockport Street between James Street and Route 59, Des Plaines Street between Oak Street and Chicago Street, and Illinois Street from Chicago Street to the Plainfield Public Library parking lot.

A memorandum penned by Mayor John Argoudelis, the local liquor control commissioner, initially suggested the policy apply to events beyond just Cruise Nights, including the Hometown Irish Parade and homecoming parade. After discussion at the June 8 Committee of the Whole meeting, trustees nixed the parades from the ordinance.

The policy details that liquor must be purchased from a licensed location, with stainless steel and polyurethane cups serving as acceptable vessels.

Trustee Vanessa Sula proposed an amendment that would allow the village to offer a standardized reusable cup program in the future. If approved down the line, licensed businesses would have to participate in a collection, sanitation and reuse system.

Mayor John Argoudelis said he hopes the policy will go into effect by June 30, but it will depend on how quickly the Plainfield Public Works Department can create signs informing visitors of the ordinance.

Cruise Nights will run through Aug. 18.

If the village would decide to expand the policy's reach to additional events, any tweaks to the ordinance would have to go before the Village Board.

RELATED: Cruise Nights Return To Downtown Plainfield For 2026 Summer: See The Lineup