1/19/22: Today, our guest speaker was Mark Taylor, Chair of the Commission since it's 1985 inception.
Following the 1933 ratification of the 21st amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Wheaton opted to remain dry. This changed in 1985 following a referendum narrowly favoring the sale of alcohol in the interest of promoting business development in the downtown and Danada business areas.
The five-member Commission meets monthly if there is business to discuss (they meet seven to eight times annually). Enforcement: the police department has an underage person attempt to purchase alcohol or tobacco with an undercover police officer on site to witness the purchase or attempted purchase. In the event of a violation, the server is fined, and the establishment owner must appear before the Commission which determines the amount of their fine.
Wheaton currently does not license liquor stores (s/as Binny's Beverage Depot and Malloy's Finest Liquors), or marijuana sales.
To learn more, visit the website at https://www.wheaton.il.us/300/