June 16--Drinkers at Navy Pier would be able to tote their beverages indoors at the popular tourist attraction under a change in rules a City Council committee endorsed Tuesday.
As it stands, people who buy beer or other alcoholic beverages can carry them around outside -- provided they don't leave the pier itself -- but cannot bring them inside, said Gregory Steadman, the city's liquor control commissioner.
Under Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal, drinkers would be able to take their cups inside. The garage and other specific areas would be off-limits, and the drinks would have to be in red plastic cups marked with the seller's logo.
"This will allow Navy Pier customers to enjoy both the inside and outside attractions of the pier without having to discard their alcohol once coming inside," Steadman said. "Only liquor purchased at Navy Pier can be consumed on the public way of Navy Pier. BYOB will not be allowed on the public way of the pier."
It's hoped that the changes make the pier more attractive to visitors during the colder months. "One of the issues is in the wintertime, when no one is outside on the pier, they would like to have events where customers can see the attractions inside of the pier and be able to consume their alcohol inside the pier as well," Steadman said.
The License Committee backed the proposal, and the full council is expected to give final approval Wednesday.
In other action, the committee endorsed a measure that would allow ward superintendents and other designated city workers to issue citations to city businesses that illegally expand their outdoor cafes on the weekends when not many city inspectors are working. The citations carry fines that range from $200 to $500.
"Typically, we see the cafes grow in size on Saturdays and Sundays, and that's because not many folks at the city are on the clock," said Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, who proposed the measure and whose ward includes most of downtown.
The illegal expansions are "abuses that drive the neighbors and visitors crazy," Reilly said. "We have establishments that routinely abuse this privilege, and this will simply get them back on line and back in compliance with city code."
"We require a minimum of 6 feet of pedestrian clearance" on sidewalks, Reilly said after the meeting. "In many cases, we see pinch points down to 2 feet of clearance or less, and that does create a public hazard, especially for folks with mobility issues. If you're in a wheelchair, you're not going to be able to clear 2 feet."
hdardick@tribpub.com
