More than 40 residents gathered in front of City Hall in support of amending the city’s liquor code, which some feel is “antiquated,” doesn’t serve a public interest and that by not amending it, th…
Council member Jeff Hoobler thanks supporters for advocating for a liquor code amendment at Highland Park City Hall on April 24, 2024. The councilman, who is the co-owner of Ravinia Brewing Company, said he would resign at the end of the month if the law doesn't change.
Council member Jeff Hoobler listens to residents speak in support of amending the city's liquor code in front of Highland Park City Hall on April 24, 2024. In another attempt to amend Highland Park’s liquor code and keep Councilman Jeff Hoobler in his elected position, a group of residents rallied ahead of the Wednesday night City Council meeting and requested that it hold a special meeting before the end of the month to reconsider the issue.
Though an amendment to the liquor code was not on the council’s agenda, about a dozen people – including Hoobler’s wife, Athena, and son, Lucas – still urged the council during public comment to change the code. A few asked for a special meeting, and one suggested a referendum on the issue. Elected to the council in 2023 as the top vote-getter, Hoobler also holds a liquor license for Ravinia Brewing Company, a local craft brewery in the Ravinia neighborhood district of Highland Park.
A tie vote rejected the motion and the law remained as is, forcing Hoobler to choose between his position on the council and his business operation. “Somebody did come by, and we have received a handful of emails and a lot more phone calls,” she said. “There is a sense that the people who are in support are feeling intimidated, and they don’t want to be called out by the public.”
But in 2001, the state amended the Liquor Control Act to allow liquor licenses for elected officials and law enforcement in cities with a population of 50,000 or less, provided that the establishment has food service. In 2013, it was amended again for populations of 55,000 or less.
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