THE RECORD
Background and breakdown of Highland Park’s liquor-license referendum
Joe Coughlin
October 24, 2024

A topic that polarized Highland Park for much of 2024 finds its way to the ballot this election. Voters can weigh in on whether the City should amend its code to allow elected officials to hold liquor licenses. The current code prohibits City Council members from doing so, a sleepy, Prohibition-era law that led to months of public debate, substantial resident feedback and eventually the resignation of Councilmember Jeff Hoobler, who is named on the liquor license for Ravinia Brewing Company. The ballot question is an advisory referendum meant to gauge the community’s stance on the issue. It is not binding and does not require any action from the City Council. READ MORE

Highland Parkers: Remember to turn over your ballot and Vote YES!

Vote YES on the HP advisory referendum, which supports a more inclusive and transparent local government. More specifically, the referendum seeks to overturn a silly local liquor licensing law – dating back to Prohibition and first noticed last January – that limits City Council participation by individuals who hold liquor licenses. This directly conflicts with the wishes of the voters of Highland Park, who elected Jeff Hoobler to the Council in April 2023 knowing he co-owns Ravinia Brewery and holds a local liquor license.

Hundreds of community members wrote emails and appeared at Council meetings to support an amendment of the local law, but the amendment failed to garner the required four votes and Hoobler resigned to avoid losing his business.

Tell City Council that we are an inclusive City where all business owners–including liquor license holders–should be able to serve. It’s time to overturn this antiquated, long forgotten law. Click here for more information.