Village 'Ahead of the Curve' with New Liquor License

“Be prepared” may be the Boy Scout motto, but the village is also trying to be ready for anything when it comes to new businesses.

In an effort to make Romeoville attractive to potential business owners, the last week approved a new liquor license class aimed at BYOB establishments.

The new “class Q” license would allow restaurants to permit diners to bring in six 12-ounce beers or one 750 milliliter bottle of wine.

Village attorney Rich Vogel said the new classification could be attractive to restaurant owners who don’t want to operate a full-service bar. It would apply only to full-service restaurants, not fast-food venues.

“There are a number of surrounding communities that have something like this,” Vogel said Wednesday, adding it helps Romeoville stay “ahead of the curve” when it comes to new development.

This way, “They’re not wondering if they can come to Romeoville — they know they can come to Romeoville,” trustee Dave Richards said.

Amendments to the village’s liquor ordinance will also allow restaurants to sell “growlers” of craft beer.