By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Changes have been made to a proposed ordinance in Bloomington that would create a new liquor license classification allowing consumers to drink from packaged beer and wine at the place where they buy the alcohol.

Green Top Grocery on East Washington Street requested the new license class to boost sales at the cooperative, which has struggled at times during its first year in business.

The Bloomington City Council delayed action on the proposal earlier this month. Alderman David Sage feared unintended consequences, and Councilman Jamie Mathy worried people might go to gas stations, buy packaged booze, stay there, drink, and play on video gambling machines.

Only establishments like Green Top, where food is the primary source of revenue, would be eligible for the new liquor license classification, according to the amended ordinance. Businesses selling gas would not be eligible, according to the staff’s recommendation. There are 23 Bloomington gas stations that are allowed to sell packaged liquor, according to the city staff.

The council is set to vote on the amended ordinance Monday night.

Also on Monday’s agenda is a proposal to start regular council meetings an hour earlier at 6 p.m. so there wouldn’t be as much need to schedule special meetings.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]