Is DeKalb large enough to add another Class A liquor license?

In a college town like DeKalb, illegal drinking is often an issue whether it’s where to get a beer or underage people getting alcohol.

In the last 15 years, DeKalb has seen an immense amount of growth in all economic markets, except one, Class A liquor licenses.

In the past, every city council vote on increasing Class A licenses has been unanimous against it. However, as time passed and the city council got new members, views on Class A licenses have changed.

“I definitely believe we are ready for another Class A license,” said First Ward Alderman Karega Harris. “We are expanding to a more diverse community and people need more options.”

The city council unanimously voted to keep the amount of Class A liquor licenses the same regardless of DeKalb’s growth.

“DeKalb is a university town. We need to start to embrace that,” Harris said.

But a representative of many NIU students, Seventh Ward Alderman James Barr has an alternative viewpoint.

“Competition is a good thing, but there is not a lack of establishments in DeKalb,” Barr said.

The city council liaison to the liquor commission, Second Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen, is open-minded toward the addition of another Class A license.

“We need to find something between 16 and some larger number of Class A liquor license,” Povlsen said.