Deputy Corporation Counsel Sonni Williams spearheads new initiative

By: Savannah Jones

PEORIA–The Liquor Commission is overlooking a tax on large-packaged-alcohol sales after Deputy Corporation Counsel Sonni Williams proposed looking into the new tax at the Commission’s monthly meeting on November 2. Williams explained the Commission researched introducing a tax on case lots of alcohol several years ago but did not reach a conclusive decision. However, Williams suggested the plan could bring in $140,000 in revenue and help alleviate the city’s budget deficit.

“The tax must be reasonably related to the cost of administering licenses by the Circuit Clerk,” Williams said. “Normal and Bloomington introduced a four-percent tax on case lots but there is none in Peoria.”

Liquor Commission board member Drew Cassidy agreed Peoria is “behind the curb” in the region for taxing case lots however he raised concern that the tax would benefit major chain stores such as Wal-Mart and Kroger over smaller local bars and restaurants. Williams and Cassidy both agreed to look further into the plan over the next few weeks.

The Liquor Commission met for their monthly meeting to review license applicants and to discuss to taxes.

The Liquor Commission also discussed extending bar hours to 4 a.m. in order to attract more people to Peoria on the weekends. The Commission tabled this issue for future meetings as well. Board members approved three local restaurants recommendations to the City Council for liquor license approval.