The Naperville Liquor Commission unanimously supported amending the city code regarding the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes as well as those who may purchase and use them and also took up the issue of elected officials holding liquor licenses.
The text amendment concerning e-cigarettes states that retailers must be licensed, any sales are prohibited to minors and minor themselves are not allowed to possess them, and their use is banned in the same places as regular tobacco products.
The commission also heard a request from liquor license holder Jim Bergeron who is on the April 7 ballot running for a City Council seat. Bergeron is asking that the liquor code be modified to allow elected officials to hold a license.
Bergeron suspended his campaign, although he is still eligible to be elected, after finding out the city never modified its code to allow elected officials to hold liquor licenses after a change in state law opened the door for that change.
Bergeron has financial interest in two establishments in town that have liquor licenses, Jimmy’s Grill and The Wise Boxer Pour House.
State law was changed in 2005 that repealed a restriction that state and local office holders could not hold liquor licenses. Because Naperville is a Home Rule community the change would need to be approved at the local level as well.
The issue must now be taken up by the City Council.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter
