American Legion Evanston Post 42 will seek City Council approval Monday to expand liquor service at the post on Central Street to serve the general public.
The post’s current liquor license only permits service to post members and their guests.
At a Liquor Control Board meeting earlier this month Brett Hallogren of the Legion said the group wants to be able to serve golfers on the adjoining Canal Shores course and other visitors and has the patio space to do it with social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to a question from Alderman Eleanor Revelle, 7th Ward, Hallogren said the only food service the post offers now is frozen pizza. He says the organization has a commercial kitchen license but would need to upgrade its equipment to offer additional food.
Currently post membership is open to veterans and non-veteran community members.
With the license change the Legion’s annual liquor license fee to the city will lincrease from $500 to $2,800 per year to match that charged commercial restaurants with liquor service.
Alderman Revelle has recommended suspension of Council rules to both introduce and approve the liquor code change at Monday’s meeting.