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Elected leader who holds liquor license runs into trouble

beer glass being filled
Beer pour
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(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Highland Park City Council has voted against changing a Prohibition-era ordinance that prevents a member of their body from holding a liquor license, impacting one of their colleagues.

Jeff Hoobler is the co-owner owner of Ravinia Brewing Company.  He was elected to the council last year, and his liquor license was renewed by the city.


The license renewal was a mistake, Mayor Nancy Rotering admitted, and this week the council considered whether to change the law to accommodate the business owner.

"This is about a pre-prohibition law from 1934 that other municipalities have long since changed," Hoobler's business partner, Kris Walker, told council members. "This is not about Al Capone. We're now in 2024. You can own a dispensary in this town and sit on the council but can't have a liquor license."

The council balked at the change, however.

It is unclear exactly what this means for Hoobler. Nothing for this year, according to the city: He keeps the liquor license and the council seat.

But the existing ordinance preventing both still stands.

"We are in pain over this situation," Mayor Rotering said.

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