VOTE ‘NO’ ON THE ALCOHOL BAN.

FAIR PLAY FOR LINCOLN SQUARE

We’re invested in the Lincoln Square community, and look forward to meeting and serving our neighbors.

But, did you know? One small part of the area—between Montrose, Sunnyside, Lincoln, and Damen—has been under an alcohol sales ban since 1907.

This outdated law is holding back local businesses and limiting our neighborhood’s collective growth.

Proposed Small Cheval at 2156 W. Montrose | Rendering courtesy Aria Group

Vacant space on the site of future Small Cheval | 2156 W Montrose

IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE.

FAIRNESS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Right now, restaurants, grocers, and retailers in this precinct are prohibited from selling alcohol, while businesses just across the street can. Why should they be at a disadvantage?
BOOST OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Overturning the ban means more vibrant businesses, more jobs and increased tax revenue to enhance our neighborhood.
A THRIVING LINCOLN SQUARE

Lifting the prohibition will bring more visitors, support local businesses and create a lively, more dynamic neighborhood for all of us.

 Currently Sells Alcohol

 Prohibited from Selling Alcohol

HISTORY OF THE ALCOHOL BAN.

FAIR PLAY FOR LINCOLN SQUARE

The liquor prohibition in the 9th precinct of the 47th Ward of Chicago has its roots in a 1907 petition initiative, when local residents blocked the establishment of a beer garden and amusement park in the neighborhood. The ban was later extended by the Illinois Liquor Control Act of 1934, after the repeal of national Prohibition. It remains in effect today and is hampering small businesses in the area from growing, while restaurants just across the street can legally sell alcohol.

Historically, communities with strong temperance values or safety concerns opted to maintain these bans. At the time of the 1907 prohibition and its later codification in 1934, Lincoln Square had a significant German-American population. While many in the community celebrated beer culture, there were also factions supporting temperance, reflecting broader societal tensions over alcohol.

Many bans like the one in Lincoln Square have been challenged through local elections, where precincts voted to lift them if a majority of residents agreed. This is the proposition facing Lincoln Square residents in the November 2024 election cycle.