Du Quoin liquor overhaul is coming

Fairness and a measure of security are at the heart of changes coming in February to the City of Du Quoin's liquor ordinance.

The ordinance will limit stand-alone video gaming licenses to the present two--Nikki's and Rosie's. It will require surveillance cameras in all establishments that serve liquor. And, it will be more considerate of the Illinois Grape Grower's Association, whose wineries from time-to-time have wine tasting events in Du Quoin.

"A liquor license is a privilege, not a right and establishment owners need to know their patrons," said Alongi. He wants all liquor issues to fall back on the law, not on his discretionary power as liquor commissioner. And, he wants fairness.

With that said, here are the things he wants in the new ordinance:

n Annual liquor license fees will remain at $1,000 a year.

n On video gaming, "I am not going to hurt current businesses and organizations that have licenses," he said. "But I am going to raise liquor licenses for video gaming parlors--Nikki's and Rosie's--whose interest is in making money. Those VG (video gaming) liquor licenses will go to $1,500."

n The Du Quoin State Fair will pay $1,000 for a beer license and $250 for a wine license.

n "We have not been very friendly to the Illinois Grape Grower's Association and a one-day wine-tasting license will be $50. They will have to go to Springfield to get it.

n The new ordinance will require all establishments selling alcoholic beverages to have video surveillance equipment. Existing businesses will have between 12 and 24 months to get those systems installed. The police department will provide guidance as to how much video coverage is required. New establishments must have them installed by the time they open. When the ordinance is enacted police can check establishments to see if the systems are operating. If they are not operational, businesses will have probably 48 hours to make them operational. If systems are not working on follow-up inspections, the owner will be fined $250 and be given a one-day suspension of his or her license. The fine and suspension will increase to $500 with a three days suspension. The third time will mean a $1,000 fine and seven day suspension.

n Any privacy glass, film or obstructions on the front of the establishments must be removed so officers can see into the establishment.