City of Wheaton Liquor Control Commission met Feb. 12
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE
Director of Planning and Economic Development Kozik called the February 12, 2026 meeting of the Local Liquor Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 West Wesley Street and via Zoom.
Upon roll call, the following were present: Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Laird, and Commissioner Whitmer. Absent: Chair Pearse and Commissioner Taylor. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development.
Commissioner Whitmer moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to appoint Commissioner Laird as Chair Pro-Tem. On a voice vote, all voted aye.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 8, 2026
Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Whitmer seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2026 Local Liquor Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Application for a Class A Liquor License – Sepcon LLC d/b/a La Plaza Taqueria – 421 Town Square Seeing the applicant was not yet present, the Commission continued discussion of this matter until the end of the meeting to allow the applicant additional time to arrive.
Amendment to Section 6-86.5 – Training Required
Mr. Kozik stated that this item is regarding consideration of an amendment to Section 6-86.5 of the Wheaton City Code pertaining to record keeping for required alcohol training. Mr. Kozik stated that Section 6-86.5 of the Wheaton City Code requires that all licensees, except Class F, shall be required to have all employees who serve, sell or distribute alcohol, the manager, and those checking identification for alcohol service, successfully complete a Beverage Alcohol Sellers/Servers Education And Training (BASSET) program within 30 days of employment.
In addition, Mr. Kozik stated that the licensee shall submit proof of completion of a BASSET program to the city for said individuals required to complete the training. Mr. Kozik stated that BASSET certification must be renewed every three years. Mr. Kozik stated that any employee who has not successfully completed the BASSET program shall not serve, sell or distribute alcohol.
Mr. Kozik stated that tracking BASSET certificates in accordance with Sec. 6-86.5 continues to grow as an administrative burden since the number of liquor licenses has increased over the years. Also, enforcement of this section is difficult, and delays license renewals each year. Staff has attempted to utilize the City’s Information Technology systems to perform this record keeping, but it did little to reduce the administrative burden and was difficult for licensees to manage.
In order to relieve the administrative burden of requiring licensees from submitting proof of completion of BASSET certification or enrollment to the City for recordkeeping purposes, Mr. Kozik stated that staff is suggesting that such records be kept in each licensed premises for said individuals and shall be presented upon the request of any city official.
The Commission briefly discussed the proposed amendment. Commissioner Brown then moved and Commissioner Whitmer seconded a motion to recommend approval of amendment as proposed. On a roll call vote, all voted aye.
Amendment to Section 6-127 (a) – Employment of Underage Persons
Mr. Kozik stated that this item is regarding consideration of an amendment to Section 6-127 (a) of the Wheaton City Code pertaining to employment of underage persons. Mr. Kozik stated that Section 6-127(a) of the Wheaton City Code states that it shall be unlawful for any licensee, under this chapter, or any officer, associate, member, representative, agent, or employee of such licensee, to engage, employ or permit any person under the age of 21 years to attend bar or to draw, pour, or mix any alcoholic liquor in any licensed premises. That section, however, permits the employment of persons who are at least 18 years of age as waiters or waitresses in restaurants or hotels for the purpose of taking orders, serving food and alcoholic liquor in the licensed retail premises.
Mr. Kozik stated that Wheaton now has license classifications where there is consumption on the premises that are not restaurants or hotels who seek to hire servers that are 18 -20 years of age. Mr. Kozik stated that staff is suggesting an amendment to permit any licensed establishment that permits on-site consumption to allow servers that are 18-20 years of age instead of just restaurants or hotels.
The Commission briefly discussed the proposed amendment. Commissioner Brown then moved and Commissioner Whitmer seconded a motion to recommend approval of amendment as proposed. On a roll call vote, all voted aye.
Application for a Class A Liquor License – Sepcon LLC d/b/a La Plaza Taqueria – 421 Town Square – Continued
In the interveining time, Ms. JoAnna Garcia arrived. Ms. Garcia apologized to the Commision for being late, stating that her GPS sent her to the Library.
Ms. Garcia stated that she is the manager for the applicant, Sepcon LLC d/b/a La Plaza Taqueria. Ms. Garcia stated that they have submitted an application for a Class A Liquor License (full liquor) for their proposed +/- 50 seat, full service Mexican restaurant to be located in the former Nothing Bundt Cakes space at 421 Town Square.
Ms. Garcia stated that the ownership group has been in the restaurant business for 50 years and has a zero-tolerance with regards to alcohol sales; no ID – no service. Ms. Garcia further stated they intend to card any customer wishing to purchase alcohol that appears under the age of 60.
Mr. Kozik stated that a plan for the outdoor seating will be presented to the Commission at a later date.
Hearing no questions or comments, Commissioner Brown then moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to recommend approval of a Class A Liquor License to Sepcon LLC d/b/a La Plaza Taqueria – 421 Town Square. On a roll call vote, all voted aye.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 P.M.
https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/13574?fileID=19464
