Arlington Heights directs staff to draft downtown social-district pilot for Al Fresco season

The Arlington Heights Village Board on June 15 directed staff to draft ordinances and logistical plans for a pilot social‑district program that would allow patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating downtown liquor‑license holders and consume them within the existing Al Fresco boundary during a trial period this summer and early fall. The motion passed 7–2.

Deputy Manager Mikula, who presented the proposal, described the concept as “an open consumption area that would allow patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating license establishments and consume within the Al Fresco boundaries.” She said the pilot would run roughly from August through the Harmony Fest weekend, with proposed hours Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and would be voluntary for eligible businesses.

Under staff recommendations, participating establishments would enter formal agreements with the village, use a village‑designated cup (maximum 16 ounces) with a district label and apply wristbands to customers to show age verification at point of sale. Mikula said the police chief recommended prioritizing patrols and monitoring early in the pilot to evaluate whether operational adjustments are needed.

Trustees split over public‑safety and environmental concerns. Trustee Labedz, who voted against moving forward, said he opposed launching the program because he feared it would become permanent and that signage and voluntary controls would not reliably prevent problems. “I remain opposed to doing the pilot,” Labedz said, adding he worries the program will persist and expand beyond a limited test. Trustee Manganaro, the other dissenting vote, urged stronger sustainability measures and a clear plan for wristbands and anti‑counterfeit controls.

Supporters said the pilot would help restaurants compete regionally and increase foot traffic downtown. Trustee Schwingbeck, who moved the motion, noted examples from other communities where similar districts boosted downtown activity and argued the trial would let staff test controls before any permanent adoption.

Staff will return to the board with proposed ordinances and logistical details for final review and approval at a future meeting (staff indicated July 6 as a targeted date for ordinance review). The board also asked staff to study reusable or otherwise sustainable cup options if the program advances beyond the pilot phase.

The board’s vote to have staff prepare enabling ordinances and implementation plans carried 7–2 (ayes: Schwingbeck Jr., Bertucci, Santa Maria, Gilbert, Zyck, Dunnington, Mayor Tinaglia; nays: Labedz, Manganaro).