STAFF INFO PAGE

Here’s the text of the email from the Village:

August 30,2026

Dear Forest Park Bar and Restaurant Owners,

Several Forest Park restaurant and bar owners have suggested that the Village consider extending permitted closing hours for liquor license holders. In response to this feedback, the Village Council has reviewed the proposal and will consider a six-month pilot program that will extend operating hours by one additional hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for establishments holding a Class A or Class A 1 liquor license. Closing time will be two o'clock (2:00) A.M. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. The pilot program would take effect on September 1, 2026, and conclude on March 1, 2027.

During this trial period, the Forest Park Police Department will monitor calls for service involving bars and restaurants, with particular attention given to activity occurring between midnight and closing time. The Village will also gather input from participating business owners regarding the impact of the additional operating hour on their businesses. Feedback from community members will likewise be considered as part of the evaluation process. As March 1, 2027 approaches, the Village will determine whether two o'clock (2:00) A.M should remain as closing time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Village values its restaurant and bar community and recognizes the challenges businesses face, including rising labor and supply costs, as well as increased competition for customers. We hope this pilot program provides an opportunity to support local businesses while continuing to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by Forest Park residents. As the program begins, we would like to highlight the following important information:

• The pilot program applies only to establishments holding Class A or Class A 1 liquor licenses.

• Existing patio and sidewalk cafe license requirements, rules, and regulations remain unchanged. Hours for liquor service in these outdoor areas will continue to follow current regulations. Alcoholic liquor may only be served or consumed in the patio area and sidewalk cafe between the hours of eleven o'clock (11 :00) A.M. and twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight on any day of the week.

• The purpose of the extended closing hour is to encourage patrons to remain in Forest Park. As customers depart later in the evening, we ask that management and staff assist in ensuring patrons leave the premises in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner.

• As is currently required, business owners and staff remain responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of areas adjacent to their establishments, including sidewalks, streets, and other nearby public spaces. We respectfully ask that all trash and debris be removed on a daily basis. We look forward to partnering with you throughout this pilot period and appreciate your cooperation in helping make it a success. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mayor's Office at 708-615-6203 or by email at contac.t@forestpark.net.

Joe’s questions, concerns, etc:

1. Security: I will definitely want someone on the door Th, F and Sat. I am too old to bounce idiots at 2am (although I do like to bounce idiots). So: if you know any experienced door guys, let me know. I will also reach out to the rugby team to see if anyone wants to help. For the second shift bartenders, let’s have a discussion about percentage tip-out to door guys.

2. Hours: this will add 12 hours to the monthly schedule. Here are initial thoughts:

Day shift from 1pm to 8pm on Th / F / Sat

Night shift from 8pm to 2am

This directly would affect Oz, Beth, and Keith during the day but would potentially affect anyone who covers vacation shifts, call-outs, etc. So let me know what you’re thinking.

(We’ll handle potential early openings (for football, playoff baseball, etc as those situations arise.))

3. Parking. Current parking on Madison is banned from 2a to 5a. If bars etc are open until 2a there has to be a grace period. I’ve already emailed the village about this and will let you know what they say. There’s no fucking way any of you are getting a parking ticket because of this.