Day May Be Here for Drive-Up Liquor Sales in St. Charles

Could St. Charles become the first Kane County community to allow drive-through liquor sales? A new report from city staff suggests the idea could be feasible and could be voted on as soon as Monday.

A draft ordinance recommends:

• all sales be recorded on video, including the buyer’s face and the car’s registration
• walk-up service would be prohibited
• the city’s liquor commission would review any violations
• liquor licenses and special-use permits for drive-up sales would be limited

The idea first came up in 2013 when David and Julie Lundeen, owners of Lundeen’s Liquors, 1315 W. Main St., sought a drive-through window at their liquor store. They have one in their Sycamore store.

At the time, a sharply divided Government Operations Committee voted 5-4 to direct staff to draft an ordinance that could allow such service, but the disagreement on the issue is hardly over.

“I look at other liquor stores that share a good reputation, and there are plenty with structures that would qualify for a drive-thru,” said Ald. Rita Payleitner recently. She opposed the proposal at a recent Government Operations Committee meeting, according to a Chicago Tribune report. “We’re not inching the door open. We’re plowing the door open, and if we say ‘yes’ to this, then we’re plowing it for sure.”

Still, the measure passed out of committee on a 6-2 vote.

The Lundeens say the window would be good for business. They’ve been in business in St. Charles for 38 years.

David Lundeen projected business could increase by 35 percent with a drive-up window — largely as a result of patrons who are senior citizens with limited mobility, or who are disabled. He said those two groups likely will represent a large proportion of any drive-through business because it offers them a more accessible alternative to making purchases — whether liquor, tobacco or a Sunday newspaper.

If the ordinance is approved, the Lundeens would be the first to get such a license.