HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance #4569 - Establishing a Downtown Entertainment District; a New Class of Liquor License; and Authorizing the Local Liquor Commisioner to Establish Rules and Regulations STATE OF ILLINOIS)
) SS.
COUNTY OF FULTON)
CERTIFICATE
I, Andi Smith-Walters, certify that I am the duly elected City Clerk of
the CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
I further certify that on July 21, 2026. the City Council of such municipality
passed and approved Ordinance #4569 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT;
ESTABLISHING A NEW CLASS OF LIQUOR LICENSE; AND AUTHORIZING THE LOCAL
LIQUOR COMMISSIONER TO ESTABLISH RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE
DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The ordinance attached is a true and correct copy of the ordinance adopted by Canton
City Council.
DATED AT CANTON, ILLINOIS, THIS 21St DAY OF July, 2026
Seal
ndi Smith-Walters, City Clerk
City of Canton, Illinois
ORDINANCE NO. 4569
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT;
ESTABLISHING A NEW CLASS OF LIQUOR LICENSE; AND AUTHORIZING THE
LOCAL LIQUOR COMMISSIONER TO ESTABLISH RULES AND REGULATIONS
RELATED TO THE DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the City of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois (the "City") is an Illinois non-
home rule municipal corporation, established in accordance with the constitution of the State of
Illinois of 1970;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4-1 the Illinois Liquor Control Act of 1934, the City
Council has the authority to"determine the number,kind and classification of licenses, for sale at
retail of alcoholic liquor not inconsistent with this Act and the amount of the local licensee fees to
be paid for the various kinds of licenses to be issued in their political subdivision, except those
issued to the specific non-beverage users exempt from payment of license fees under Section 5-3
which shall be issued without payment of any local license fees, and the manner of distribution of
such fees after their collection; to regulate or prohibit the presence of persons under the age of 21
on the premises of licensed retail establishments of various kinds and classifications where
alcoholic liquor is drawn,poured, mixed or otherwise served for consumption on the premises;to
prohibit any minor from drawing,pouring, or mixing any alcoholic liquor as an employee of any
retail licensee; and to prohibit any minor from at any time attending any bar and from drawing,
pouring or mixing any alcoholic liquor in any licensed retail premises;and to establish such further
regulations and restrictions upon the issuance of and operations under local licenses not
inconsistent with law as the public good and convenience may require; and to provide penalties
for the violation of regulations and restrictions,including those made by county boards,relative to
operation under local licenses;provided,however,that in the exercise of any of the powers granted
in this section,the issuance of such licenses shall not be prohibited except for reasons specifically
enumerated in Sections 6-2, 6-11, 6-12 and 6-25 of this [the Liquor Control Act of 1934]." 235
ILCS 5/4-1;
WHEREAS,the Mayor is the Local Liquor Control Commissioner for the City and he is
charged with the administration of the provisions of the Liquor Control Act of 1934 and of such
ordinances and resolutions relating to alcoholic liquor as may be enacted(see 235 ILCS 5/4-2);
WHEREAS, the corporate authorities have determined it necessary for the public good,
and in the best interests of the City to improve the quality of life within downtown Canton, and to
develop a new entertainment district (hereinafter, the "Downtown Entertainment District") to
permit the open carrying of alcohol during special events and/or other times as may be established
by the City from time-to-time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City of Canton hereby finds as fact the recitals set forth above and are incorporated
herein as though fully set forth;
Section 2.That Title 3, Chapter 8 of the Canton Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding the
following the Section 3-8-22, entitled"Downtown Entertainment District":
3-8-22: DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
(A) Establishment: There is hereby established a Downtown Entertainment District. If
there is any conflict between the provisions herein and any other section of this Title 3,
Chapter 8,the provisions of this Section 3-8-22 shall control.
(B) Definitions:
"Downtown Entertainment District" means the area as approved by the City
Council of the City of Canton, the official map of which shall be approved by
resolution or ordinance of the City Council and published on the City's website.
The City's Local Liquor Commissioner may also modify and/or restrict portions of
the Downtown Entertainment District in the Local Liquor Commissioner's sole
discretion.
"Non-Licensed Participant" means any business located within the boundaries of
the Downtown Entertainment District, opting into the Downtown Entertainment
District pursuant to this Section,that is not a Qualified Licensor.
"Qualified Licensor" means any business or person located within the boundaries
of the Downtown Entertainment District that holds a Class DED Supplemental
License and a Class A, B, C, D, G, MB or W License under this Code, which is
valid and in good standing with the City of Canton, and holds a valid and in good
standing license with the State of Illinois authorizing the retail sale of alcoholic
liquors on their business premises for consumption on their premises.
"Participating Business" means any Qualified Licensor or Non-Licensed
Participant that opts into the Downtown Entertainment District pursuant to this
Section.
(C) Class DED Supplemental License: A Class DED Supplemental License shall be
obtained for the retail sale of alcoholic liquors for consumption within the
Downtown Entertainment District, which must be directly adjacent to or
encompass, in whole or in part, the otherwise licensed premises of the license
holder. All sales of said alcoholic liquors must be within the premises licensed
(including any premises permitted pursuant to a Subclass A License),and said sales
shall not be permitted on property owned by the City of Canton or not otherwise
permitted pursuant to an applicable license. The use of a Class DED Supplemental
License will be limited to the hours when the Downtown Entertainment District is
activated.
1. Application for this license may be made for each business or person that holds
a Class A, B, C, D, G, MB or W License desiring to sell alcoholic liquors for
consumption within the Downtown Business District. If a Class DED
Supplemental License is granted to a Class B license holder,the licensee shall
continue to maintain its primary business as a restaurant pursuant to section 3-
8-2 of this Chapter.
2. To apply for this Class DED Supplemental License, the licensee shall file its
request, in writing, with the Canton Liquor Commission. A nonrefundable
application fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be paid by the licensee requesting
this supplemental license if Class DED Supplemental License is for a single
event or for one day only. Otherwise, a nonrefundable application fee of one
hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be paid by the licensee requesting the Class
DED Supplemental License.
3. The City's Local Liquor Commissioner may establish conditions, rules, and
regulations for all Class DED Supplemental Licenses, and may further require
that all holders of a Class DED Supplemental License execute a waiver and
hold harmless agreement,to the satisfaction of the City,prior to the issuance of
any Class DED Supplemental License.
4. The Class DED Supplemental License does not authorize any music or other
entertainment, and is strictly for purposes of permitting the sale of alcoholic
liquors for consumption within the Downtown Entertainment District during
times that the Downtown Entertainment District is activated pursuant to the
Canton Municipal Code.
5. Class DED Supplemental License may be revoked at any time should the
license holder violate any rules or regulations related to the Downtown
Entertainment District, any ordinances of the City, and/or any other laws or
regulations,including without limitation the sale of alcoholic liquors to minors.
6. All Class DED Supplemental License Holders shall be responsible for the
consumption of any alcoholic liquors they sell for consumption within the
Downtown Entertainment District. All Class DED Supplemental License
Holders are solely responsible for ensuring that they maintain all necessary
liquor liability / dram shop insurance in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations and for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations, including without limitation the Illinois Liquor Control Act of
1934, as amended.
7. All Class DED Supplemental License Holders must add the City of Canton as
an additional insured on its liquor liability / dram shop insurance policies and
provide proof of said insurance prior to the issuance of any Class DED
Supplemental License. Failure to keep the City of Canton as an additional
insured shall be cause for immediate revocation of any and all liquor licenses
of the license holder and be deemed a violation of this
(D) Participation in the Downtown Entertainment District:
1. Participation in the Downtown Entertainment District Program shall be
voluntary.
2. Any business may opt in to the Downtown Entertainment District by registering
with the City Clerk.All Participating Businesses opting in to the program shall
place authorized stickers or sign on their door or window indicating their
participation in the Downtown Entertainment District. Approved stickers or
signs shall be provided by the Local Liquor Commissioner or his or her
designee.
(E) Participation by non-liquor-licensed businesses: Non-Licensed Participants may
allow alcoholic liquors to be consumed upon their premises by opting into the
Downtown Entertainment District; however,they may not permit the retail sale of
alcohol nor provide mix, ice, glasses, or other materials for alcoholic liquor or
beverages without obtaining a proper license under Section 3-8-4 of the Canton
Municipal Code(e.g., Class S License).Non-Licensed Participants shall comply
with all rules and regulations of the Downtown Entertainment District set forth
herein.Nothing in this Section permits any Non-Licensed Participant or other
business or person within the Downtown Entertainment District to sell, offer to
sell,or serve on their premises any alcoholic liquor without a required license
pursuant to this Chapter or pursuant to applicable law.
(F) Rules and regulations:
1. Participating Businesses may permit a patron to carry up to one alcoholic liquor
drink from their establishment into the contiguous Downtown Entertainment
District.No Participating Business shall allow a patron,guest or member to exit
their establishment with more than one open container of alcoholic liquor.
2. Participating Businesses shall not allow patrons to exit their establishment with
an alcoholic liquor drink unless they are wearing a wristband approved by the
Local Liquor Commissioner. Patrons are required to wear the wristband at all
times while possessing open alcoholic liquors within the Downtown
Entertainment District, except when indoors of the establishment.
3. Alcoholic liquors may only be carried into a Participating Business or City-
owned property within the Downtown Entertainment District in an approved
container. Participating Businesses may allow patrons to enter their premises
with up to one (1) alcoholic liquor drink in the approved container. All
Participating Businesses reserve the right to prohibit entry to their establishment
with open alcoholic containers, including approved containers pursuant to this
Section.
4. All alcoholic liquor drinks consumed within the Downtown Entertainment
District must be carried in an approved container only,which shall be approved
by the Local Liquor Commissioner or his or her designee or otherwise by
ordinance or resolution of the City Council. Alcoholic liquor drinks being
consumed on the Qualified Licensor's premises otherwise licensed under this
Chapter shall not be required to be consumed in the approved containers unless
the patron otherwise enters the Downtown Entertainment District(e.g., a glass
beer bottle is acceptable in the Qualified Licensor's beer garden pursuant to a
Subclass A license).
5. No alcoholic liquors shall otherwise be removed from any Participating
Business in a can,bottle, glass container or other container,except as otherwise
allowed by law.
6. Alcoholic liquors consumed within the Downtown Entertainment District must
be purchased from a Qualified Licensor, shall not be brought into the
Downtown Entertainment District from home or any non-Qualified Licensor.
7. Participating Businesses shall post, at all points of egress from their premises,
a map of the boundaries of the district. The map shall be provided, either in
electronic or paper form, by the city.
8. Open alcoholic liquors shall not be removed from the Downtown Entertainment
District,unless otherwise permitted by law.All approved cups must be disposed
of in a proper receptacle prior to leaving the Downtown Entertainment District.
9. No person shall carry in an alcoholic liquor drink into any non-Participating
Business or into any business that has otherwise opted out of the program or
elected not to permit alcoholic liquors to be carried into the business or onto its
property.
10. Alcoholic liquors shall not be consumed on any street, parking lot, or in any
parks or green spaces,except as provided in this Section or otherwise permitted
by this Code.
11. Any person carrying alcoholic liquors in an approved container may only do so
for the personal use of the possessor.
12. The Local Liquor Commissioner is hereby authorized to implement any other
rules and regulations for the Downtown Entertainment District, provided
however, that said rules and regulations shall be posted on the City's website
and be available for inspection in the City Clerk's office.
(G)Days and hours. The provisions of this Section shall only be applicable during
the hours approved for any special event in which the Downtown Entertainment
District is activated or unless the Local Liquor Commissioner otherwise
activates the Downtown Entertainment District. Otherwise,all other applicable
ordinances, laws, and regulations shall apply within the Downtown
Entertainment District.
(H)Activation of Downtown Entertainment District. Any business or person
seeking a special event permit may apply for the Downtown Entertainment
District to be activated during said special event and/or during certain hours
before and/or after said event. Additionally, Qualified Licensors may request
that the Downtown Entertainment District be activated by application to the
City Council. The City Council reserves the right to modify said hours upon
any approval of the special event permit(or application) and/or thereafter. The
City Council may also activate and establish dates/hours of the Downtown
Entertainment District by majority vote of the City Council at any regular or
special meeting of the City Council, by ordinance, and/or by resolution.
Additionally, the Local Liquor Commissioner may activate the Downtown
Entertainment District during other times by public notice. If the Downtown
Entertainment District is not activated pursuant to this subsection,then the other
provisions of this Section shall not be applicable and all other applicable
ordinances, laws, and regulations shall apply within the Downtown
Entertainment District.
(I) Public Streets, Jones Park and Opera House Plaza -- Special events at
the Jones Park and/or the Opera House Plaza (as defined in Section 8-
12-4 of this Code)and/or on public streets may opt in to the Downtown
Entertainment District on a case-by-case basis. No alcohol may be
carried into or consumed at Jones Park and/or the Opera House Plaza
and/or on the public streets unless said space is approved by the City
Council or the Local Liquor Commissioner as part of the Activation of
the Downtown Entertainment District or pursuant to a permit or other
permission by the City Council. Special event applicants shall indicate
their intent to opt in on their special event applications submitted to the
City. In the event that a special event has opted in (or a Qualified
Licensor has applied) and it is approved by the City, all rules and
regulations set forth in this Section shall apply. The special event
applicant (or other Qualified Licensor applicant) shall obtain all
required approved containers and signage/notices from the city prior to
the event.
(J) Any businesses participating in the Downtown Entertainment District
shall be solely responsible for ensuring they maintain necessary
dramshop/liquor liability insurance coverage as may be necessary or
required, as well as any other liability insurance coverage as may be
necessary or required. All Participating Businesses of the Downtown
Entertainment District shall execute a release/waiver, in a form as
approved by the Local Liquor Commissioner, holding the City
harmless from any and all damages and injuries resulting from or
arising out of their participation in the Downtown Entertainment
District or patrons utilizing the Downtown Entertainment District.
(K)Penalties for violation.
1. Any person, business, or entity participating in the Downtown
Entertainment District program shall comply with this Section.
2. Violations of this Section, whether by a person, firm, partnership,
corporation, limited liability company,or other legal entity, shall be
governed by Title 1,Chapter 27,"General Penalty",of this Code and
the fee schedule that is adopted by city council from time to time.
3. Any business holding a valid liquor license that violates any
provision of this Section shall, in addition to fines, be subject to
suspension or revocation of their liquor license by the City's Local
Liquor Commissioner.
Section 3. That the initial map of the area encompassing the "Downtown Entertainment District"
shall be substantially as depicted in"Exhibit A."
Section 4. The initial approved containers for alcoholic liquors being carried and/or consumed
within the Downtown Entertainment District shall consist of aluminum cans and bottles and plastic
cups (not to exceed sixteen ounces).
Section 5. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed
insofar as they are in conflict with this ordinance.
Section 6. If any provision of this ordinance is adjudged invalid,such adjudication shall not affect
the validity of the ordinance as a whole or of any portion not adjudged invalid.
Section 7. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage,approval and
publication as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 21st day of July,2026.
AYES: Alderpersons Chamberlin,Nelson,Lovell, Pickel Ketcham, Gossett
NAYS:None
ABSENT: Alderpersons Grimm, Hale
APPROVED: //
By: 4W �"
Kent McDowell, Mayor
ATTEST:
Andrea J. mith-Walters, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
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