CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending Sections 3-3-3 and 3-3-11:3 of the Naperville Municipal Code to allow liquor licensees with a growler permit to sell craft beer and cider manufactured by the licensee in its original package (requires six positive votes)
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DEPARTMENT: Legal Department
SUBMITTED BY: Jennifer Bonner, Senior Assistant City Attorney
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On September 19, 2024, the Liquor Commission considered Miskatonic Brewing Company’s request to modify the growler permit to allow for the sale of craft beer and cider manufactured by licensee in its original package for off-premises consumption and unanimously recommended City Council approval.
BACKGROUND:
The Class B - Restaurant and Tavern liquor license allows for on-premises sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor at full-service restaurants with a customer bar.
The Class P - Manufacturer license allows for local craft beer, cider, wine, and distilled spirit manufacturers to include a retail component onsite where the manufacturers’ may offer their craft beer and cider for retail sale, both for consumption on premises and off premises (package sales).
A Growler Permit allows for Class B and Class P license holders to sell a sanitized glass receptable with tamper proof seal containing no more than two (2) liters of craft beer and cider that is manufactured by the license holder for off-premises consumption. The requirement that the license holder manufacture the beer and cider limits permit availability. Currently two Class B license holders, Granite City Brewing, 1828 Abriter Court, and Miskatonic Brewing Company, 47 E. Chicago Avenue, have a Growler Permit.
DISCUSSION:
Representatives from Miskatonic Brewing Company petitioned to the City to amend the Growler Permit to allow for the sale of craft beer and cider manufactured by the license holder in cans or bottles up to 32 ounces.
The proposed amendment renames the Growler Permit to Craft Growler and Package Permit; permits the sale of craft beer and cider manufactured by a licensee in its original package; and limits the containers to growlers and packaged cans or bottles up to 32 ounces.
At the September 19, 2024 Liquor Commission meeting, the request was considered. The proposed amendment will not impact Class P license holders, because their license already allows for this practice. Since the text amendment requires a license holder to manufacture the beer and cider, there were no concerns about proliferation. As result, the Liquor Commission unanimously recommended approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A