Chicago Retailer Offered Special Liquor License to NOT Sell Mass-Market Beers

A local grocer has been offered a liquor license with a twist: no mass market beers like Bud or Old Style and no cheap wines, either.

The owner of Garden Gourmet Market, 1130 N. Ashland, said he’s considering the deal that would allow him to sell only craft beers and higher-end wines.

The agreement, fashioned by grocer Maher Farhan and Ald. Joe Moreno (1st), would allow Farhan to sell alcohol in a neighborhood that is mostly dry.

The restrictions are designed to ease fears by neighbors that the market could create alcohol-related problems.

Moreno worked with the East Village Association board to develop the plan, which must be approved by Gregory Steadman, the City of Chicago’s Liquor Control commissioner.
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