advertisement

New liquor license created for Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake

The Grayslake village board issued a new liquor license to Light the Lamp Brewery for the building at 2 S. Lake St., where the company plans to move in late spring.

Launched in 2012 at 10 N. Lake St., Light the Lamp has had a production area and tap room but no food offerings. The new location will have a kitchen, a long wooden bar and the young company's full brewing operation in the back. In fact, dining will be such an important part of the operation that the new liquor license is called "R-6" for restaurant.

According to the new liquor license ordinance, which was approved unanimously by the village board Tuesday night, the brewing operations must be limited to not more than 30 percent of the building, and brewing activities must be limited to eight hours a day, five days a week.

Assistant Village Manager Brett Kryska said the limits were included because the 101-year-old Cupola Building is so close to residents.

Kryska said the village is eager for the brewery's move.

"We definitely want to help them do this as soon as they can so to add another dining destination to our downtown," Kryska said.

In November the village approved a $150,000 economic grant the brewery can claim after its move, provided it generates the equivalent of 25 full-time jobs.

The new liquor license was created specifically for Light the Lamp. The fee is $3,500 per year, which is the most expensive restaurant liquor license in the village and the same amount paid by bars that sell packaged liquor.

The move will mark the first time a brewery is based in the Cupola Building, built in 1916 for an automobile dealership and repair shop. The building has also been home to a hair salon, a gymnastics center, a hardware store and a flea market.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.