Summary

City of Joliet Legislative Committee approves social district pilot, City Square use rules, and public property offenses ordinance

JolietApr 29, 20262 min read

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On April 29, 2026 the City of Joliet Legislative Committee unanimously approved three ordinances: a 6‑month social district pilot (limits and operating rules for to‑go alcoholic beverages), an ordinance governing general use and accessibility of City Square property, and an ordinance creating offenses and a banning policy for public property. The committee also approved prior meeting minutes.

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Approved Ordinance amending the Joliet Liquor Code to add a Social District (TMP-9830). Key terms: 6‑month pilot, boundaries that do not cross State routes, hours aligned with City Square, participating businesses must have a full kitchen and alcohol sales ≤ 40% of total sales, one to‑go beverage per person at a time with cups marked by date/time, monthly review meetings, renewal only by council vote, and authority for the liquor commission to end the program early.
Approved Ordinance adding Chapter 21, Article XIII governing the general use and accessibility of City Square property (TMP-9831). Presentation defined City Square location in downtown, hours and permitting (determined between JPD and the State's Attorney's Office), rules on conduct, police authority to enforce ordinances and state statutes, and encouragement of foot traffic via vehicle code provisions.
Approved Ordinance adding Chapter 21, Article XI establishing offenses on public property and a banning policy (TMP-9832). Policy provides progressive bans for specific offenses (first ban 6 months, second 12 months, third lifetime), bans apply to the specific property, banned individuals may still enter for legitimate purposes, and the police and legal departments will maintain the banned list.
Approved minutes from the April 13, 2026 Legislative Committee meeting.

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Legislative Committee

Apr 29, 2026, 12:00 AMCity Hall, Council Chambersscheduled

Agenda

Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
AGENDA ITEMS
NEW OR OLD BUSINESS - NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact The City Clerk Office, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780.
4.13.26 Meeting Minutes
Ordinance Amending The Joliet Liquor Code By Adding A Social District To Chapter 4, Article II, Section 16 – Liquor Permits
Ordinance Adding Chapter 21, Article XIII Governing The General Use And Accessibility Of City Square Property
Ordinance Adding Chapter 21, Article XI, Offenses On Public Property

City of Joliet Legislative Committee approves social district pilot, City Square use rules, and public property offenses ordinance

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