By BRUCE A. FASOL
The West Frankfort City Council has given local tavern owners a gift for the New Year.
Last week, Mayor Tom Jordan announced that local tavern owners had asked to be open later on New Years Eve. However, at last Thursday night’s meeting, no action could be taken. The item did not appear on the agenda, and to act upon the request would have violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
So, the council set a Special Meeting for 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.The Council hoped to address 2012 New Year’s Eve, but also draft an ordinance that would serve for future years as well.
Monday, the Council passed an ordinance allowing bars to remain open until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. On weekends currently, bars are allowed to remain open until 2 a.m. In the future, when New Year’s Eve falls other than a weekend bars may remain open until 2:30 a.m., with last drinks served at 2 a.m.
Another date that requires a special council ruling is Super Bowl Sunday. Traditionally local bars have asked to be able to open on that day. In the past they have been allowed to open, with permission granted each year on a one-year basis. Friday’s ordinance that was adopted also allows bars to open at 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, and remain open for an hour following the game.
These new rules apply to Class A, C, and D liquor licenses. These are the bars, clubs and the restaurants that serve liquor. Not included are the Class B license holders, which are the package liquor stores.
