Naperville Liquor Commission Meeting - August 7, 2025

The Naperville Liquor Commission met on August 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, a request from Hammer & Nails to expand their liquor license to include spirits, annual board training, and several informational reports on DUIs, tobacco licenses, and liquor law class attendance. Commissioner John Koranda announced his resignation and was recognized for his service.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 8, 2025): The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 8, 2025 meeting. Motion by Commissioner Chirico, seconded by Commissioner Koranda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during Public Forum.

Discussion Items

• Hammer & Nails – Amendment to Class M License for Spirits: Rebecca Lewis, owner of Hammer & Nails (men’s grooming and nail salon), requested to amend the Class M – Lifestyle Amenities liquor license to allow sale and consumption of spirits, in addition to the current beer and wine. She stated that customers have requested spirits like old fashioneds, rum and Coke, or whiskey on the rocks. She noted that the business is membership-based, clients rarely exceed two drinks within a typical 45-minute to 2-hour service, and alcohol is rarely charged for separately (included in service packages). Commissioner Douglas visited the salon and confirmed cleanliness and professionalism; she noted that Hammer & Nails reached 500 members in less than six months, the second fastest in the franchise. City Attorney Bonner explained that a text amendment to the municipal code would be required, as current Class M lifestyle amenities only allow beer and wine (6 oz wine, 12 oz beer). Discussion centered on serving sizes, hours of operation, and potential precedent. Commissioner Stauffer expressed concern that spirits, due to higher alcohol concentration, pose greater abuse potential and that this could lead to requests from other license types (e.g., Class R theaters). Commissioner Chirico argued that such establishments rarely cause problems and that the boutique nature of the license (cap of 5) limits proliferation. The commission ultimately approved a motion (Commissioner Douglas, seconded by Commissioner McGury) to recommend to City Council a text amendment allowing spirits for Class M lifestyle amenities, with a serving size of 1.5 ounces, a maximum of two servings per patron, and all liquor sales to end by 7:00 PM. The motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Stauffer voting nay.

• 2025 Board and Commission Member Training: Senior Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Bonner conducted the annual training. Key topics included: attendance requirements (minimum 75%), ethics and gift ban (prohibited sources, max $75 daily food/refreshments, $100 per source per year), conflicts of interest, Open Meetings Act compliance, FOIA obligations, and proper use of email and personal devices. Commissioners emphasized best practices around email communications (e.g., avoiding reply-alls). The city will begin audio and video recording all board and commission meetings, with recordings posted online.

• Discussion on Emerging Trends: Commissioner Douglas raised concern about an herbal supplement called "Feel Free" sold at Naperville gas stations, which contains Kratom and other botanicals and is trending on TikTok among minors. Commissioner Signorella requested adding nitrous oxide abuse to the discussion. Mayor Wehrli directed that these items be placed on the next meeting’s agenda as new business, and requested Detective Creighton confirm that sales of "Feel Free" are restricted to those 21 and older. Mayor also noted an uptick in tobacco fines related to non-traditional tobacco products, which will also be addressed.

• Commissioner Resignation: Commissioner John Koranda announced his resignation due to a potential conflict of interest (he will be partnering in a new establishment, “The George”). Mayor Wehrli presented him with a certificate of recognition for his service.

Key Outcomes

• Hammer & Nails License Amendment: Approved and referred to City Council (vote: 6-1). The recommendation includes a text amendment allowing spirits (1.5 oz servings, max 2, service ends by 7 PM) for all Class M lifestyle amenities licenses (currently held by two businesses, cap of five).
• Board Training: Received and noted.
• DUI Reports (April–July 2025): Received. Statistics: April 2025 – 19 DUIs (vs. 17 Apr 2024); May – 12 (vs. 20 May 2024); June – 18 (vs. 11 June 2024); July – 25 (vs. 11 July 2024).
• Tobacco License Report: Received. 80 licenses issued in 2025 YTD; 6 citations issued, 3 pending; 3 compliance checks annually. Year-to-date fines (tobacco and liquor) total approximately $25,000.
• Naperville Local Liquor Law Essentials Class Statistics (May–July 2025): Received. Participants: May – 21; June – 32; July – 31. Detective Creighton noted a preference for timely completion.
• Liquor Concept Committee Report (May–July 2025): Received. Concepts included Viceroy Indian Cuisine, Ancho and Agave, The George (under construction), Yabasushi, Mazala Pizza, Yoshi Raman, Sushi Club Rotary, Velvet Taco, Riverwalk Adult Day Services Bingo Fundraiser, and St. Rafi Church family night.
• Future Agenda: New business item at next meeting to discuss emerging trends (Feel Free, nitrous oxide) and tobacco fines related to non-traditional products. Commissioner Douglas requested verification that new Block 59 establishments are completing BASSET training.
• Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Chirico, seconded by Commissioner Stauffer, to adjourn at 4:03 PM. Unanimous.