In October 2019, the Village received a request from Arlington International Racecourse asking to extend their alcoholic beverage sale hours in the Trackside building. This establishment currently holds a Class “A” liquor license, which requires the sale of alcohol to stop no later than 1 am. The owners are requesting the issuance of a Class “AA” license in place of their Class “A” license, thereby allowing for an additional hour of liquor sales.

Currently, Arlington OTB Corp holds a Class “A” liquor license to service the Sports Bar inside Trackside and to service the second floor. Arlington OTB Corp is a wholly owned company of Arlington Park Racecourse, LLC and they are seeking a Class “AA ” liquor license to operate within the entire Trackside facility at 2000 W. Euclid Ave.  This request is in line with the expansion of their business offerings at this location.

The Trackside Facility is currently closed for operations and all operations have been moved to the main grandstand. Arlington Racecourse plans to reopen Trackside near the beginning of 2020 to operate the restaurant (former Ditka’s) for horseracing and sports wagering.

Arlington Racecourse will commit to not exceeding the liquor sales hours of: Mon-Thur: 8am to 1am; Fri & Sat: 8am to 2pm and Sunday 10am-1am. They also commit to serving of food when alcoholic beverages are sold and understand that a modified food menu is permitted after 11pm.

Arlington International Racecourse has been a responsible liquor license holder and Staff believes that granting this request will help accommodate their business expansion goals.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board adopt the attached Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 of the Arlington Heights Municipal Code to increase the number of Class “AA” liquor licenses and decrease the number of Class “A” liquor licenses in accordance with the request from Arlington International Racecourse for the facility at 2000 W. Euclid Ave.