In response to requests from Arlington Heights business owners, Staff is recommending the creation of caterer liquor license classifications.

A request was made by two existing business owners asking the Village to create a new liquor license to allow for catering. The first request is from Tom Manetti, who is moving his full-service catering and event company from a nearby community to 2616 S. Clearbrook Drive. In February, Mr. Manetti received approval for a Class 6b tax incentive for this property and business use. The second request came from a downtown business owner that indicated her restaurant is getting requests to cater private events in guests' homes and other locations and she would like to expand her business model and offer food and alcohol beverage catering services.

• A new liquor license Class “P” is intended to apply towards a business whose primary business is that of a stand-alone catering company.

• A new liquor license Class “P-1” is intended to apply to restaurants that already possess an existing liquor license and are interested in expanding their business offerings to cater food and alcoholic beverages off-premise.

It is being proposed that a caterer whose primary business is that of a catering company pay a higher license fee than a business that already is a restaurant that possesses a liquor license.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Village Board approve the attached Ordinance to create a caterer liquor license classification.