Liquor license fees cut sharply

After feeling outraged over the week-end by the exorbitant liquor license fees required of Woodstock businesses serving alcohol, for some reason this morning I came across an ordinance dated May 2, 2011, that sharply lowered liquor license fees.

A number of the license fees were cut substantially, falling from $2,400/year enough to make a difference to licensees.

I don't remember seeing this action by the City Council publicized. Do you? It would have been reflected, of course, in the Minutes of City Council meetings.

A drop is fees could be seen as a recognition that customers of restaurants and bars are drinking less in view of DUI enforcement. It's no longer popular (or good sense) to drink too much and then slide behind the wheel.

What got me thinking about this was a question in my mind as to where the Chamber of Commerce stood on representing business interests. Did the Chamber's executive director approach the City Council and say, "You know - these license fees are really out of control." Or did the restaurant owners or their lobbyist from the Illinois Restaurant Association approach the Mayor, as Liquor Commissioner, and pitch him on lower license fees? Did the individual restaurant owners get together and say, "These license fees are killing us"?

And what got me thinking about that? Last Friday's "Chamber News" in the Northwest Herald (July 15), which shouted the wonderful, diverse dining options on the Square, including The Other Place at 140 Cass Street, right next door to the Chamber.

The problem with that? The Other Place closed on May 27.

And the fairness of fees for a new restaurant opening during the "license year" (May 1-April 30)? While there may be some pro-rating, is it done fairly? Apparently not, in my opinion. Calogero's is set to open in August. It's license fee will be $1,200 - the fee for a full 12 months. How simple it would be to pro-rate the fee monthly! At $100/month, Calogero's would save $300. For a new business, that's important. To the City of Woodstock, it's insignificant.