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In an effort to curb alcohol abuse that is leading to unlawful and undesirable behavior in public areas of downtown Arlington Heights, trustees Monday night voiced support for a plan to eliminate sales of single servings of alcoholic beverages for consumption off premises.

Police say the move will eliminate the root cause of such problems
as fighting, theft, public urination, disorderly conduct, property
damage and threats.

“The convenience [of single servings] adds to this continuing cycle
of behaviors that are very unsettling to our community,” police Cap.
Richard Niedrich told trustees.

“We look at this as a comprehensive approach to a rather severe
social problem we’ve had here in the village,” Niedrich said in
proposing the new ordinance. Evanston has had a similar ordinance in
effect for about 20 years, Niedrich said.

The ordinance would apply only to retail sales for consumption off
premises. Items to be banned include single containers of beer unless
they are 40 fluid ounces or more, single containers of wine unless
greater than 12 ounces or 375 milliliters and single containers of
alcohol other than beer or wine unless the containers are greater than
16 fluid ounces.

“The focus is on giving substance abusers a break from their
habits,” said Officer Robert Kostka. “This is aimed at helping them to
deal with their problem.”

Kostka, who spoke with several liquor retailers in preparation for
the meeting, showed trustees a number of empty single-serving
containers picked up in the downtown area to illustrate the problem.
Many of the containers were 24-ounce cans of beer.

Trustees are expected to confirm their approval of the plan Sept. 8, and formally approve the ordinance Sept. 21.

–Graydon Megan

Listen to Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder with host Greg Jarrett on WGN-AM 720 this morning.