WEST TOWN ‘CHAMBER OF CoMHEnCe ey Alderman Brian Hopkins 1400 N. Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622 November 14, 2017 Dear Alderman Hopkins, Due to the recent passing of an ordinance for a new tavern and packaged goods liquor license moratorium on the commercial streets within the West Town Chamber of Commerce service area, the West Town Chamber Board of Directors feels itis important to re-issue our formal stance against any liquor moratoriums on the commercial corridors in West Town. Itis the opinion of the Chamber that moratoriums on tavern and packaged good liquor licenses, or any moratorium, is actually inhibting potential positive development and creating hurdles for responsible businesses the Chamber would like to see on those commercial corridors such as wine shops, specialty grocers, and even smal craft breweries, responsible taverns and liquor stores. Instead of blanket liquor moratorium restrictions that can scare off potential investors and prohibit economic development, the Chamber isin support of utilzing “Operating Agreements” prior to issuing liquor icenses if there are residential or community concerns. The Chamber also supports utlzing the ‘Deleterious Impact Ordinance" to address existing irresponsible liquor licensed establishments causing a negative impact in West Town. These are alternative tools for new liquor license applicants and existing licensed establishments to work with communities in the event @ business would cause a negative quality oflife for residents. In an Operating Agreement, the licensee can specfically address concerns put forth by the community which becomes bound to the liquor license. It also creates an opportunity for potential new and existing liquor establishments and residents to work together to address community concerns. ‘The Board of Directors would like to formally express opposition to the moratorium that was recently put into place on Chicago Avenue between Damen and Oakley, and on Damen Avenue between Chicago and Augusta. The Board of Directors also maintains its stance that the liquor moratorium should be lifted on the commercial corridors of East Village: Damen from Chicago to Division, Chicago from Damen to Ashland, Ashland from Chicago to Division, and Division from Ashland to Damen. ‘The West Town Chamber believes that the moratorums are not necessary and are actually prohibiting positive commercial development along the commercial corridors, Retaining existing businesses and recruiting new businesses to the area is part of what the West Town Chamber of Commerce strives to achieve through its programs and services, and the outdated liquor license restrictions are deterring commercial development along its corridors. Please take our recommendation into consideration moving forward, and in the future please be sure to make the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors aware of any ordinances your office plans to support that may affect the commercial corridors within our service area between Division and Hubbard, Halsted and Kedzie. Thank you. Sincerely, Ye Kara Hughes Salgado Executive Director oer