By Howard Packowitz
PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – Gas stations in Pekin will soon be able to apply for liquor licenses following city council action on Monday.
The council voted 5-1 to erase the rule preventing gas stations from even applying for a liquor license.
According to 25 News, city staffers favoring the measure said they know of people driving to the Casey’s in North Pekin to buy packaged liquor instead of spending their money in Pekin.
“This change would not automatically grant any licenses but would allow such establishments to apply for consideration under the same review and compliance standards as other applicants,” a staff report said.
Rick Hilst was the council’s only no vote, saying previous councils in Pekin rejected the idea, and he said shoppers have other options.
“You can get it in Pekin. We’ve got plenty of establishments that sell packaged liquor. They just don’t do it at the gas stations,” Hilst said.
Council Member Jimmie “Jake” Fletcher, a liquor license holder himself, voted with the majority.
“You can stop at any Kroger and get the beer, so why should we handicap a gas station that could be able to sell it,” said Fletcher.
Mayor Mary Burress and Council Members Dave Nutter, John Able, and Peg Phillips also voted yes. Council Member Karen Hohimer did not attend Monday’s meeting.
The city’s consultant, Retail Strategies, said the city government could rake in as much as $185,000 per year in new sales taxes given current demand for packaged booze. However, city staffers aren’t that optimistic about the amount of new revenue.
Pekin Economic Development Director Josh Wray also said he knows of one “serious” developer who wants to locate a gas station in Pekin, but they’ve been reluctant to make the investment because alcohol sales aren’t allowed.
The liquor code revision takes effect May 1, which coincides with the city’s next license renewal cycle.
Comments