Council approves on-site consumption liquor license for Elia Cafe at farmers market (5–1)

The Park Ridge City Council on May 18 voted 5–1 to approve a Class S‑5 farmers‑market on‑site consumption liquor license for Philius Hospitality LLC, doing business as Elia Cafe, at 90 North Northwest Highway, enabling on-premises alcohol service at the farmers market opening day.

Mayor introduced the request to waive the first reading so the license could be available for opening day. Council discussion focused on whether waiving the first reading was fair to other applicants and whether the farmers market’s new layout had adequate age‑verification procedures.

Alderperson Laura said she would vote no on the waiver and on the license because "with the new layout of the farmers market, that... has not been well thought out," noting the city’s usual wristband system used to track those 21 and older was not in place for this vendor. Laura asked for more safeguards if alcohol is present at a city‑sponsored event.

Another council member said he initially opposed the waiver but ultimately supported it, citing trust in the vendor and asking staff to review the program after the season.

After public‑meeting discussion and roll‑call votes, the council approved waiving the first reading and then approved the final reading and ordinance to add the license; the roll call count was 5 in favor, 1 opposed.

Council members asked staff to reassess operations after the market season and to consider additional controls (wristbands or similar) to ensure patrons consuming alcohol are properly verified for age at the market.

The license allows Elia Cafe to serve on‑site alcohol at the farmers market under the Class S‑5 designation; the ordinance text and application details are in the council packet.