MEETING MINUTES
Liquor Control Board
Thursday, April 16, 2015 11:30 a.m.
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 2750
Members Present: Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl; Byron Wilson
Members Absent:
Dick Peach; Dave Skrodzki; Marion Macbeth
Staff Present:
Grant Farrar, Theresa Whittington
Others Present:
Heather Bublick (Feast & Imbibe); Taylor Lemke (Valli); Frank
Greco (Valli); Carmine Presta (Valli); Dennis Clarkson (Gigio’s);
Franny Clarkson (Gigio’s)
Presiding Member: Local Liquor Control Commissioner Elizabeth Tisdahl/Mayor
CALL TO ORDER
The Local Liquor Control Commissioner Elizabeth Tisdahl called the meeting to order at
11:30 a.m.
NEW BUSINESS
Carter Investments, Inc., d/b/a Feast & Imbibe, 1601 Simpson St., #3, Evanston, IL
60201
Heather Bublick (HB) of Feast & Imbibe requested an amendment to license Class T
(Catering/Beer-Wine) to allow for sale and service of alcoholic liquor. HB told the board
that she is the only preferred caterer for The Woman’s Club of Evanston. She would like
to provide full bar service for catering functions but is currently unable to do so because
the liquor license class is restricted to beer and wine only. HB further requested that the
rules be suspended in order to expedite the amendment change. This request is made
in order to accommodate an upcoming function scheduled for May 17 th. Mayor Tisdahl
supported the idea and Grant Farrar stated that a “suspension of the rule” would be
requested at time of presentation to City Council.
Board members reviewed the request in advance of the meeting and found it all in
order. The Local Liquor Control Commissioner asked the members if there were any
concerns over the request. None were voiced. The Board recommended amending the
class T Liquor License to be presented at the City Council meeting on May 11, 2015.
Valli Produce of Evanston, LLC., dba Valli Produce of Evanston 1910 Dempster
Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Valli produce requested approval for issuance of a Class F liquor license (Grocery
Store/liquor). Frank Greco stated that Valli Produce will offer a full service grocery store
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in the former Dominick’s space. The goal is to open the store my mid-July. Alcohol sales
are intended to compliment the shopping experience.
Board members reviewed the application in advance of the meeting and found it all in
order. The Local Liquor Control Commissioner asked the members if there were any
concerns over the request. None were voiced. The Board recommended issuing a
class F Liquor License to be introduced at the City Council meeting on May 11, 2015.
Savory Inc., dba Gigio’s Pizzeria, 1001 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60202
Dennis Clarkson (DC), owner of Gigios Pizzeria, requested approval of a Class D liquor
license (restaurant/liquor). DC explained that he would like to ofer beer and wine to his
customers. The selection will be limited to two beers on tap and two selections of wine.
Mayor Tisdahl asked Mr. Clarkson about a DUI arrest in 2003. The DUI arrest was not
disclosed on Mr. Clarkson’s background form. DC responded that he misunderstood the
question and thought it pertains to convictions rather than arrests. DC apologized for the
oversight. Mayor Tisdahl was satisfied with the response and noted that the arrest did
occur a long time ago but felt it was important to address the discrepancy on the
background form.
Board members reviewed the application in advance of the meeting and found it all in
order. The Local Liquor Control Commissioner asked the members if there were any
concerns over the request. None were voiced. The Board recommended issuing a
class D Liquor License to be introduced at the City Council meeting on May 11, 2015.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Theresa Whittington announced that the Evanston Substance Abuse Prevention
Coalition and the City of Evanston Police Department are participating in a “Your
Actions Matter!” campaign on April 23, 2015. The campaign is an Illinois Liquor Control
Commission initiative designed to help keep alcohol out of the hands of persons under
21 years of age. Participants will be visiting select businesses and handing out
awareness materials.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by the Local Liquor Control Commissioner Elizabeth
Tisdahl, Mayor at 11:42 a.m., April 16, 2015.
Respectfully Submitted,
Theresa Whittington
Liquor Licensing Manager, Legal Department
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