La Grange Kids Business Wants Liquor License Expansion
LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange is considering a request from a business geared toward children for a license to sell liquor.
The business is called Waterlemon, though the village’s memo refers to it as Waterlemon Kids, which appears to have been its former name.
According to the village, Waterlemon, 25 La Grange Road, is a combination of a retail children’s boutique, café and children’s play space.
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Through a public records request, Patch obtained Waterlemon’s request and the village’s memo about it.
Waterlemon, which opened in 2019, already has a bring-your-own-liquor license, the memo said.
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The license allows the business to let people bring their own beer and wine during private events between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This is when the children’s dedicated recreation area is rented out and under adult supervision for a birthday party, bridal shower or a similar event, the memo said.
The beer and wine consumption can only take place when a representative of the business over 21 is present.
Waterlemon is requesting to sell single-serve wine, beer and liquor to the public, but not during private events. The business is proposing to comply with the village rule that bars anyone under 21 from serving or ringing up sales of alcohol.
In her request letter, owner Nina Makovski asks for permission to sell sangria, beer, wine and mixed drinks. All the beverages would be canned or bottled, she said.
The items would be sold 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
“Since Waterlemon opened, our customers have inquired about and shown interest in this idea on many occasions,” Makovski said. “Therefore it is something I feel confident will be well received by many, not to mention will help boost revenue for my business and the village and would employ new associates.”
Waterlemon is also requesting a change to the bring-your-own-liquor license. It now requires that any employee working a weekend shift during a private event with alcohol to be 21.
The business wants to lower the age to 18.
“The main reason why is simple: It’s very difficult to find employees in today’s job market and the vast majority of applicants we do get are 18, 19 or 20 years old,” Makovski said.
As a result, staffing on weekends has been difficult and at times, impossible, she said.
“And unfortunately, Waterlemon cannot, at this time, afford to have a second older employee on staff those days,” Makovsky said.
The village’s liquor commission heard Waterlemon’s requests last week. To accommodate the requests, the village would need to change its code, which means the issue is set to return to the commission, Village Manager Jack Knight said in an email to Patch.
The Village Board would have the final say.
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