As the Champaign-Urbana community continues to celebrate the University of Illinois’ success in the NCAA basketball tournament, Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen today issued an Emergency Order to promote the safety and welfare of the public by placing a few restrictions on alcohol sales this weekend. These changes are intended to reduce the possibility of personal injury or property damage during celebratory activities that could arise in association with the Illini’s Elite Eight basketball tournament 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 Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank 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.”
For full details, please see the Emergency Order, 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 of 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.
The restrictions on the sale of packaged alcohol and alcohol served in glass containers are intended to reduce the availability of glass bottles and glassware that could become dangerous projectiles or pose serious safety hazards if thrown in a crowded area. The 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.
Mayor Feinen, who also serves as the City’s Liquor Commissioner, added, “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. 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!”
Local law enforcement will have an increased presence in the Campustown area to monitor celebratory activity, enforce City ordinances, and ensure public safety this weekend.