The DeKalb Liquor Commission discussed liquor license distribution last Thursday.

The topic of the night concerned the possible creation of another liquor license for packaged liquor, called a P license.

The P license would be the result of splitting the class A license which currently includes both liquor stores and bars.

Before making an official decision though, the benefits must be weighed.

“Splitting the current A license may not be the right way to go,” said liquor commission member Michael Embrey.

The split concerns the balance of liquor license distribution. The city would be challenged to maintain a balanced ratio of alcohol distributors to the number of people. Doing this will allow business owners to make a profit, but citizens are still offered a variety of choices.

Adding to the controversy is the potential allowance of letting major supermarkets such as incoming Schnucks and Jewel to sell liquor. These major corporations are able to sell alcohol at cheaper cost, causing concern among the A license holders.

“Every decision you make affects our business,” said Rosi Balli of Rosita’s and Eduardo’s Mexican restaurants. “Not just for now, but for the future.”

Lundeen’s Liquor owner Julie Lundeen voiced concern as well.

“The P license opens up the doors to liquor being sold in convenience stores, mini-marts, etc.,” said Lundeen.

Lundeen did not want to give up her current class A liquor license in case a bar would be a more profitable business venture in the future. The liquor commission is working toward removing that flexibility.

“Why wouldn’t they [DeKalb] want to allow a business to be flexible and be able to switch to a bar/store in the future?” Lundeen said.

The council took into consideration that it may be too soon to make a decision concerning the creation of another license.

“Change is inevitable,” Embrey said. “We’ve really opened a Pandora’s box.”

Another concern of the commission was the amount of regulation being placed upon liquor business owners.

“You’re going to get a hernia lifting [Liquor code] chapter 38 soon,” said American Liquors owner Louis Schoenburg.

In hopes of reaching a reasonable agreement, different recommendations were proposed, including one that would allow a seven-year transformation period. This was proposed to help protect the current A license holders while acknowledging the need for change.

“We don’t know the outcome 10 years from now,” said liquor commission member Charles Moore. “Is there a want or a desire from the city for the creation of more licenses?”

Despite the attempts for a reached proposal, the council decided to work out further details and voted against the recommendation of the addition of a P license.