ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — The village of Arlington Heights is advancing with an initiative to allow residents and visitors to enjoy drinks while strolling through its downtown area.
On Monday night, trustees gave the green light to a new pilot program that establishes a “social district.”
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This initiative will permit participating bars and restaurants to offer take-out beverages.
Customers can enjoy their drinks so long as they stay within the confines of a designated four-block area, aptly named the “alfresco zone.”
This pedestrian-only zone has become a lively hub for dining and socializing, especially during warmer months.
Larry Rebodos, owner of Big Shot Piano Lounge and Restaurant, said the open-air setup continues to draw crowds.
“All the restaurants are out here. We’ve got seating, I’ve got live music playing outside,” Rebodos said.
Village Trustee Tom Schwingbeck introduced the sip-and-stroll idea. He said he was inspired by a similar setup in St. Joseph, Michigan, where he often vacations.
“I’ve seen how successful this can be for the downtown area there,” Schwingbeck said.
He added that the concept could help ease long waits at popular restaurants, saying, “Some of our restaurants don’t take reservations and it might be a 45-minute wait. You can go in; you can grab a drink and stroll around in our downtown business district.”
The pilot program would begin in August run through October, operating Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Rebodos said he supports the plan.
“I was born in Chicago. We have three months’ worth of good weather. So, every minute counts. I was all on board when they brought this up,” he said.
Not everyone on the board agreed. Trustee Robin LaBedz said she worries about potential litter and underage drinking once alcohol leaves restaurant premises.
“I’m not worried about our restaurants checking IDs, they’re great about that, they know what they’re doing,” LaBedz said. “It’s when the alcohol comes back, away from restaurants and is in the public space. What then.”
The goal is to launch the program on July 30.
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