Glen Ellyn Village Board Will Vote on Liquor License for New Craft Beer Store

The Glen Ellyn Village Board will vote Tuesday to approve a liquor license for a new craft beer business, The Beer Cellar, at 534 Crescent Blvd. The business owner is five-year Glen Ellyn resident David Hawley.

The Beer Cellar, with about 800 square feet in the lower level of the property, would sell a small selection of liquor and wine, but about 90 percent of the business inventory and retail sales will be craft beer, according to a proposal from Hawley to the village.

The Village Board will vote Monday on establishing the Class C-4 liquor license, which would authorize the retail sale of alcohol in its original package, not for consumption on the premises. 

The Beer Cellar would be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Once Hawley receives the liquor license, he may open the business. However, his grand opening is not scheduled until Jan. 6.

"We want to provide consumers with a vast selection of artisanal crafted beers from all over the world, with a specific focus on Illinois craft beer," Hawley said in the proposal.

He said that by offering daily tastings and a large selection of Illinois beer, the business will be able to distinguish itself from other liquor sales establishments. He said currently only two other stores in Illinois focus on craft beer, and both are located in Chicago.

The Village Board meets at 7 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 525 Duane St. Public comment will be welcome.