Buffalo Grove approves liquor license discount

Buffalo Grove trustees have approved a discount in the liquor license renewal fee for establishments serving liquor on their premises.

The aim, Deputy Village Manager Christopher Stilling told the board Tuesday, is to provide some relief to area restaurants during the pandemic.

The impact on the budget is $45,000, Stilling said.

The resolution reduces 2021-22 liquor license renewal fees for on-premises liquor license holders by 50%.

The matter had been largely discussed at previous meetings, so passage of the measure came quickly.

Trustee Eric Smith asked whether letters would be sent to the license holders in the renewal packet stating the village is giving them a discount and that it isn't "the actual fee going forward."

Stilling confirmed the license holders would be sent a personalized letter indicating what the reduced fee would be.

Trustee Gregory Pike asked if establishments would be excluded from the discount if they owed money to the village.

Stilling said restaurants would not be eligible for a liquor license until they pay all fees owed to the village.