CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending the Class G2 - Boutique Market liquor license in Section 3-3-11:2 of the Naperville Municipal Code by extending on-premises consumption of cruvinet wine and draft beer to a contiguous outdoor patio connected to the grocery store by an exterior doorway (requires six positive votes)
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DEPARTMENT: Legal Department
SUBMITTED BY: Jennifer Bonner, Senior Assistant City Attorney
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On February 5, 2026, the Liquor Commission unanimously approved recommending the proposed amendment.
BACKGROUND:
On April 2, 2025, the City Council approved a text amendment establishing the G2 - Boutique Market liquor license, a new category created specifically to accommodate Heinen’s at 1244 East Chicago Avenue. The license permits the grocery store to serve and sell draft beer and self-service wine for on-premises consumption while customers shop throughout the store, with consumption limited to a maximum of two beers per customer. Wine service is provided through an automated dispensing system (“cruvinet wine”), which preserves opened bottles and dispenses servings of 1, 3, or 5 ounces. Heinen’s operates from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.
The G2 - Boutique Market liquor license contains the following requirements:
• Premises must be at least 45,000 square feet.
• No more than 8% of the merchandise display footprint may be used for alcoholic liquor.
• Groceries must account for at least 80% of total gross sales.
• At least one dedicated counter for on-premises beer and cruvinet wine sales.
• Submission of a drawing of beer and wine service and consumption areas to the Liquor Commissioner.
• Continuous video monitoring and supervision by a BASSET-certified employee.
• $5,000 annual fee
• Cap of 1; any new applicant must obtain City Council approval to raise the cap.
Heinen’s is requesting an extension of its approved G2 - Boutique Market service area to include a contiguous outdoor patio that is directly connected to the store through an exterior doorway. This would allow the on-premises consumption of beer and cruvinet wine to extend into the designated patio space, subject to all existing licensing requirements.
DISCUSSION:
After reviewing the proposal and noting its similarity to other outdoor seating arrangements already permitted in the City, the Liquor Commission recommended approval of the request. Heinen’s will maintain continuous video monitoring and supervision by a BASSET-certified employee, consistent with existing license requirements. In addition, Heinen’s intends to fence the outdoor seating area and comply with any fencing standards required by the TED Department.
Draft minutes from the February 5, 2026 Liquor Commission meeting are appended hereto.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Corresponding increase in sales tax relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages.