Liquor sales to be allowed at publicly-owned Normal Theater and outdoor events in Uptown

Posted on September 8, 2021

*The theater will still have to go through the process of actually applying for a liquor license, which also has to receive council approval. (Facebook/Normal Theater)*

NORMAL – The Normal Town Council is making changes to its liquor code to allow alcohol to be served at the publicly owned Normal Theater and for outdoor events in Uptown.

The council voted 6-1 favoring the changes. Council member Stan Nord voted no, claiming the town might face exposure in alcohol-related lawsuits if the theater is allowed to sell liquor.

“I’m too worried about the liability that our taxpayers, our constituents, will pay for what little amount of revenue we may receive from this,” said Nord.

Council member Kathleen Lorenz, who voted with the majority, noted the town has encountered no legal troubles from alcohol sales at the government-owned Ironwood Golf Course.

‘I live adjacent to the golf course and it appears we’ve had a good experience there of keeping patrons under check,” Lorenz said.

“The argument being put forth is otherwise weak when we have a strong track record and a very capable police force,” she added.

For outdoor events, patrons would not be allowed to take their beverages outside the “approved footprint” of the event.

The theater will still have to go through the process of actually applying for a liquor license, which also has to receive council approval.

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