CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The City of Champaign announced it will put temporary alcohol sale restrictions in place this weekend as the community celebrates the success of the Illinois Men's Basketball Team in the NCAA Tournament.
According to the city, Mayor Deborah Feinen issued an emergency order to "promote the safety and welfare of the public" by placing restrictions on alcohol sales this weekend.
The city said the changes are meant to reduce the possibility of injuries or property damage during possible celebrations with the Illini's Elite Eight game on Saturday night.
"While we cheer the Illini basketball team on to victory this weekend, I want to remind fans to follow the team's lead and to celebrate responsibly," said Feinen. "These steps are being taken to reduce the possibility of public safety hazards before and after the game. I expect all our students, residents, and visitors to celebrate all the accomplishments of this amazing team respectfully, responsibly, and safely."
Full details can be found in the emergency order attached, which in summary:
- Requires licensed businesses in the defined area around campus to serve alcoholic beverages in plastic, paper, and aluminum containers (no glass) for a set period of time before and after the game.
- Restricts the sale of packaged liquor and cocktails-to-go in the defined area around campus for a set period of time after the game begins.
- Restricts all licensed establishments in the city from allowing the delivery of alcoholic beverages in and out of the defined area around campus for a period o time before and after the game. This includes delivery services like Instacart, DoorDash, and others.
- Restricts all licensed establishments in the city from selling more than one keg of beer to a single customer.
According to the city, the restrictions on the sale of packaged alcohol and alcohol served in glass containers are intended to reduce the availability of glassware that could become dangerous projectiles or pose safety hazards if thrown in a crowded area.
The city said restrictions on the delivery of alcohol or sale of multiple kegs to a single customer are aimed at reducing the incidence of large private parties where binge drinking is more likely to occur.
"I understand that these restrictions may cause an inconvenience for some of our residents and business owners, but at the request of local law enforcement, we are taking these proactive steps to help ensure public safety during and after the game," said Feinen. "Like everyone in our community, I am delighted to watch the team's success, and I wish them the best as they advance through the tournament. Go Illini!"
The city also said law enforcement will have an increased presence in the Campustown area to monitor celebratory activity, enforce city ordinances, and ensure public safety this weekend.
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