November 30, 2006
SB 505 to allow alcohol sales near
churches and schools passes
SB 505 sets precedence to allow franchise restaurants to sell alcohol up to 15 to 20% closer to Churches or Schools in Chicago. While the sponsors said the bill was written for a Leona's franchise, the language is broad enough to include other chain restaurants. SB 505 is a "foot in the door" that could later be used to change the 100 foot law for churches and schools statewide.
SB 505 also contains special legislation to allow one restaurant to sell alcohol closer than 100 feet of an elementary school. The Governor put an amendatory veto on this same language in July.
For Immediate Action
- Call the Governor (800-642-3112) and ask him to Veto SB 505.
- Share this Alert with your church and school.
This bill as introduced very quickly on November 16 and was virtually voted on during the last days of the Veto Session. SB 505 embodies two measures, one which the Governor vetoed, and a new idea which allows franchise restaurants to sell alcohol near a church and/or school in Chicago. Both measures circumvent the Chicago Liquor Control Commission, which has already denied the first restaurant a license because it is closer than 100 feet of a school. Chicago restaurant owners should comply with state law concerning the 100 foot rule near churches and schools and not ask State Legislators to handle the business of liquor control.
- SB 505 is the most comprehensive and pervasive erosion to the Illinois Liquor Contr0ol Act regarding the sale of alcohol near a church or school. A chain restaurant would no longer be 100 feet from a church or school in Chicago, but could move 15 to 20 percent closer.
- SB 505 is an encroachment by an unknown number of chain restaurants who aspire to sell alcohol closer than 100 feet from a church or school. While the sponsors said the bill was written for a Leona's franchise, the language is broad enough to include other chain restaurants.
- While SB 505 only applies to the City of Chicago, it is a "foot in the door" that could later be used to change the 100 foot law for churches and schools statewide.
- SB 505 allows the issuance or renewal of a liquor license if the "principal religious leader does not indicate opposition in writing." This is a difficult position for a pastor in a local community. Undo pressure could be exerted on the Pastor so he or she is silent.
- SB 505 contains no provision for input or opposition from teachers, parents, the school board or principal who might object to having alcohol sold so close to the school as a safety issue.
- SB 505 also contains special language to allow one restaurant owner to obtain a liquor license closer than 100 feet from an elementary school
- SB 505 provides no guarantee or protection in the law that alcohol will not be served during school hours or when children are present.
- SB 505 would allow a liquor license to be located near an elementary school that also has an After School Program that does not end until 5:15pm. Children and teachers would be at the school in the evening for Open House and other special programs.