The Village Board has decided not to reconsider amending an ordinance that prohibits the sale of package liquor before noon on Sundays.
For the second time, Connie Zaio, compliance manager for Melrose Park-based Jewel-Osco, asked city officials to consider lifting the restriction. Zaio’s first effort in 1997 failed.
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“In this day and age with both parents working, as a retailer we have experienced higher sales on the weekends. It’s just a matter of customer service,” Zaio said.
Earlier this month the board voted 6-1 against lifting the restriction. The board’s Ordinance Committee recently opposed the change.
Neighboring Barrington recently amended its ordinance to allow Sunday morning sale of package liquor, said Zaio.
“For as many people I have had come to me asking to extend the hours, I’ve had just as many asking me not to,” said Mark Boettger, village president and liquor commissioner.
Trustee Nancy Moore proposed the change and criticized the restriction on businesses. She gave the board a 466-signature petition in favor of ending the Sunday restriction.
“The board has turned this into the evils of alcohol,” Moore said. “This is about purchasing a legal commodity during normal business hours.
“The village is losing sales tax revenue. The businesses are losing revenue, and our residents are being inconvenienced.”