DeKALB – Alcoholic beverages may soon be coming to salons and barbershops in DeKalb.
In its first reading, the DeKalb City Council voted on an ordinance that could allow the sale of alcohol in salons, spas and barbershops.
The ordinance is for a cosmetic liquor license that would allow the establishments to sell beer in up to 12 ounce containers and wine in up to 6 ounce containers between noon and 8 p.m.
The first reading was approved with four votes for the ordinance and two against. The ordinance will be read again at the next city council meeting on Sept. 23.
First Ward alderwoman Carolyn Zasada, 3rd Ward alderman Tracy Smith, 4th Ward alderman Greg Perkins and Mayor Cohen Barnes voted yes. Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic and 7th Ward Alderman John Walker voted no.
Fifth Ward Alderman Andre Powell recused himself from the vote. Powell owns a barbershop in the Oakland Place Shopping Center.
During debate, Walker said he would not support the ordinance.
“I understand both sides. But I’m a hard no,” Walker said. “I just don’t understand why we always have to incorporate alcohol for, you know, the time of your life.”
The Council has considered and denied requests for liquor licenses from businesses in the past.
In 2021, the city council denied a request from a laundromat for a liquor and gaming license.
Zasada said the laundromat request was denied because they wanted to incorporate gambling in addition to selling liquor.
Danielle Castillo, owner of Ella Nicole Hair Bar, said she approached the city 18 months ago to request a license to sell liquor that is low alcohol by volume (ABV), defined as beverages that are less than 20% alcohol.
“I have been in contact with the city trying to put forward the idea of selling low ABV beverages to our clients. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in doing so,” Castillo said. “That was until Andre Powell personally introduced himself right after he was sworn into his position.”
Castillo said Powell asked how he could help her business be successful.
“I gave him two simple answers,” Castillo said. “More parking, and (the ability to) offer low ABV beverages to my clients.”
Current DeKalb law requires patrons under 21 inside an establishment that sells liquor to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This would not apply to businesses that have been issued a cosmetic liquor license.
Establishments that applied for licenses would be subject to compliance checks from the DeKalb police department.
Nine of 14 businesses failed the most recent compliance check by the DeKalb Police Department, according to Police Chief David Byrd.
PROCLAMATION FOR NIU FOOTBALL
The city council read a proclamation after the NIU football team’s historic win over the University of Notre Dame on Saturday.
DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes congratulated the NIU football team for its historic win and read a proclamation commemorating the success.
“I, Cohen Barnes, as mayor of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Sept. 7, 2024 as NIU Football Day in the city of DeKalb,” Barnes said.
The city council presented the proclamation to NIU Athletic Director Sean Frazier.
“I’m so happy that we (are) able to represent our fine city, our great people, our great university on this level,” Frazier said. “It’s been a great ride. I have to remind you, this is only the second game.”
