By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – Normal’s city manager is defending the town council and hired staff from accusations that the government is bribing bars and restaurants to comply with Gov. JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 regulations.

The debate became heated Monday night just before the council voted 6-1 to waive renewal fees for liquor license holders who follow state rules including one that forbids them from serving customers indoors.

Council member Stan Nord voted no, saying staff should not be playing partisan politics by pushing Pritzker’s positions.

“We’re creating this essentially as a way to financially incentivize or bribe someone to follow these rules,” said Nord.

City Manager Pam Reece took the unusual step of publicly criticizing an elected official.

“That is not the first time Mr. Nord has implied and even come right out and stated that we’re bribing and doing things that would be completely unethical, and I just want counsel to acknowledge that is absolutely not the case, not happening, and not okay to imply that you as a body or town staff would do that,” said Reece.

Mayor Chris Koos said the town has home rule authority to adopt an ordinance requiring liquor license holders to follow the governor’s executive order.

Waiving the renewal fees is expected to cost the town government $95,400 in revenue early next year.

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