The city council in South Beloit, Winnebago County, Illinois announced it will form a committee, consisting of business owners and council members, to review current liquor license regulations and suggest changes regarding liquor licenses and video gambling. The move came about after a citizen asked if the city would increase the number of boutique licenses since he was interested in opening a gaming establishment.
Currently, South Beloit has 11 video gambling licenses for bars and restaurants and four boutique licenses. Businesses that make the majority of their revenue from the sale of food and beverages receive regular liquor licenses, and those that make most of their money from gaming machines receive boutique licenses.
Councilman Tom Fitzgerald suggested South Beloit consider increasing its fee of $1,500 for a one-year liquor license, since the nearby cities of Rockton and Roscoe each charge $5,000 for a one-year boutique license. In addition, Fitzgerald suggested the council raise the $25 per-machine fee paid by bars and restaurants as well as the 24-hour liquor license fee. The committee also will review restrictions on video gaming locations so establishments are not in close proximity. “I don’t want our income from gambling to go up at the expense of the community,” said Council member Linda Chamber.
