Those interested in having video gaming machines in Peoria will likely have to prove their establishments first. The Peoria City Council is considering a proposal requiring newly-licensed taverns or beer and wine-only establishments have minimum monthly food, and beverage sales of $1,500 for a year before adding video gaming machines.
But At-Large Peoria City Councilwoman Beth Akeson says the five lowest earning Peoria taverns average about $3,500 per month:
“Fifteen hundred dollars a month is just not that much per day. So if we’re attempting to prevent, I heard someone call it, a broom closet from coming in, I think the threshold number needs to be moved up,” said Akeson.
Council members are also considering placing a distance requirement between establishments. But they’re generally opposed to limiting the number of gaming parlors allowed in each council district.
No matter what the city does moving forward, the two existing gambling parlors and other restaurant-pubs with the video gaming machines can remain in place. The council is expected to vote on the requirements next month.
The City is also considering allowing grocery stores with restaurants to also serve alcohol. Stores with at least 24,000 square feet would qualify. Hy-Vee and Schnucks meet that qualification. The Hy-Vee under construction on Orange Prairie Road is requesting such a liquor license.
The council could approve the grocery-store-restaurant liquor license classification as soon as it’s October 28th meeting.