DeKalb council adopts new 'event venue' liquor‑license classification on first reading to accommodate downtown venue

On May 26, 2026 the DeKalb City Council approved Ordinance 2026‑020 (first reading, amended and second reading waived) to add a new liquor‑license classification called "event venue" to Chapter 38 (Intoxicating Liquors).

City staff and the applicant said the venue model—large, flexible space that may host both under‑21 events and 21+ events at different times—did not fit existing license categories for bars or restaurants. The new classification is intended to provide a predictable, city‑level licensing path instead of ad‑hoc, event‑by‑event permitting.

Key elements of the ordinance as described to the council:
• Hours limited to Thursday–Sunday with specified late‑night hours (example: 12 a.m.–2 a.m. on certain nights as recorded in the draft language); no package sales.
• Alcohol sales limited to defined premises and to patrons 21 and older; a physical separation is required where bars serve only 21+ patrons (exceptions for private, invited receptions were noted).
• Security plans are required and will be reviewed by relevant city departments (police, fire, city attorney) as part of the licensing process.
• Hazardous activities (the city cited examples such as flame effects, axe throwing, or wrestling) must be addressed with mass‑gathering or hazardous‑activity plans; staff said the hazardous‑activity requirement avoids forcing a special‑use permit for every performance type.
• The draft limits the number of event‑venue licenses to one in the current code language; the city manager said the council could consider exceptions for larger, new projects and that a separate application would be handled on its merits.

David Long, owner/operator of McCabes, addressed the council and described the venue's economic contributions to downtown, event activity and charitable support. Council members questioned security planning, capacity and oversight; Chief Bird said the police department has been in regular communication with the applicant and is satisfied with current security coordination.

Chief Bird and staff said review of security plans would be part of the liquor‑license application and that staff retain enforcement authority, including immediate short‑term suspension mechanisms if public safety is jeopardized.

The ordinance passed first reading as amended and the council voted to waive second reading so the license classification is in place pending formal license applications under the new code section.

Next steps: McCabes and similar applicants (if any) may apply for an event‑venue liquor license and must submit security plans and other licensing materials for police/fire review as part of the approval process.