DES PLAINES
4 a.m. liquor licenses won’t be banned
Des Plaines officials voted 7-1 this week against banning new 4 a.m. liquor licenses in the city and instead agreed to continue reviewing requests on a case-by-case basis.
Four Des Plaines taverns hold 4 a.m. licenses.
Ald. Rosemary Argus argued against the ban because she said a casino planned for the city could spur a new entertainment district, where such licenses might be appropriate.
Ald. Jean Higgason, whose husband was killed by a drunken driver in 1996, supported considering 4 a.m. license requests on a case-by-case basis.
— Mark Shuman
GLENVIEW
Outdoor smoking ban may be expanded
Glenview trustees this week discussed a ban on smoking in all outdoor dining areas. Mary Bak, director of development, said the health and sanitation department has received complaints about people smoking outside at restaurants. Under state law, people cannot smoke within 15 feet of an enclosed location.
“I do not like this checkerboard effect created by state law,” said Village President Kerry Cummings, who thinks non-smokers shouldn’t have to go inside to escape the smoke. “I think the public has come to expect that it will be a smoke-free environment.”
Trustee James Patterson said that although he would be inclined to support the ban at first glance, he said he believes “smokers have a right to smoke” and wondered if there would be a place where someone could have a drink and smoke outside without truly “dining.” Cummings said another possibility is for restaurants to designate smoking sections outdoors apart from non-smoking areas.
Trustees plan to review the concept again later.
— Tracy Yoshida Gruen
PARK RIDGE
Council to explore waste-hauling options
Park Ridge wants to know whether just one company should have the privilege of hauling the city’s commercial waste and recycling.
Under a state law that took effect in October, cities with fewer than 1 million residents can award such an exclusive franchise but must follow specific steps. Aldermen Donald Bach (3rd) and James Allegretti (4th) expressed reservations during an Aug. 10 meeting about granting what is effectively a sanctioned monopoly.
“If we do this and others do it, small haulers will get cut out,” said Allegretti, adding that he is undecided.
On Monday, aldermen set a public hearing on the issue for Oct. 19.
— Jon Davis
WHEELING
Farmers’ market remains in fall plans
Wheeling officials plan to have a farmers’ market up and running by mid-September at the closed Wickes Furniture site on Dundee Road just west of the new Village Hall.
Peter Vadopalas, director of economic development, said three farm-stand vendors have committed to participating.
Ken Brady was one of several trustees who hoped that local crafts people could be involved, but said potential vendors would have to be qualified. “I wouldn’t want it to turn into a flea market,” Brady said.
— Graydon Megan
