Westmont tobacco retailers and liquor-licensed businesses will get a chance to hear, and weigh in on, potential changes to the village's regulations at a public hearing Thursday, Aug. 13.

The hearing runs from 1 to 2 p.m. at Westmont Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy Street. It is scheduled as a standalone session, separate from a regular Village Board meeting, according to the village's official calendar.

The village has not publicly detailed which specific ordinance changes are on the table. The hearing's title, "Public Hearing - Tobacco and Liquor," could involve new tobacco restrictions, liquor license class amendments, or both. The village's CivicClerk portal lists the event, but a detailed agenda has not been publicly confirmed.

What's at stake for businesses

Westmont currently requires any business selling tobacco to obtain a village license and pass a background check before the Village Board. Fees run $200 for Class A sellers (grocery stores over 5,000 square feet, restaurants, and gas stations) and $500 for Class B (all other tobacco retailers). Annual renewal costs $100.

Liquor licenses carry a steeper entry cost: a non-refundable $1,500 application fee, plus background checks and approval from both the Village Board and the Liquor Commissioner.

The board has been active on liquor classifications in recent months. On May 28, the board adopted Ordinance No. 26-088, amending the Class 23 liquor license rules in the village code. Two weeks earlier, on May 14, the board approved a new Class 26 license for Jen Caferty's 111 Elm Workshop at 17 North Cass Avenue, allowing alcohol service during registered classes only.

"They're really looking forward to it. It really would enhance when we're doing bachelorette parties... to be able to have a glass of wine," Caferty told the board at that May 14 meeting.

The village also maintains a ban on new Class 22 licenses for video gaming cafes.

How to participate

The hearing is open to the public. Residents and business owners who want to comment can attend in person at Village Hall on Aug. 13. Those with questions beforehand can contact the Deputy Village Clerk at 630-981-6222 or the Deputy Liquor Commissioner at 630-981-6354.

The board's next steps after the hearing have not been announced.