Background and breakdown of Highland Park’s liquor-license referendum

Jump To: Support and Opposition | Referendum Basics | Ballot Language

A topic that polarized Highland Park for much of 2024 finds its way to the ballot this election.

Voters can weigh in on whether the City should amend its code to allow elected officials to hold liquor licenses. The current code prohibits City Council members from doing so, a sleepy, Prohibition-era law that led to months of public debate, substantial resident feedback and eventually the resignation of Councilmember Jeff Hoobler, who is named on the liquor license for Ravinia Brewing Company.

The ballot question is an advisory referendum meant to gauge the community’s stance on the issue. It is not binding and does not require any action from the City Council. 

The referendum made it to the ballot thanks to a petition that garnered more than 2,500 signatures, well over the 1,400 needed to qualify for the ballot in Lake County.

In a social media post in July, Hoobler responded to the petition and the development of a potential referendum:

“This petition is about the right of all restaurant owners with liquor licenses who live and work in Highland Park to have this opportunity, it is not about one person,” he wrote in the post. “Supporting the right of the people to voice their opinions on this matter via the democratic method of a private ballot is the correct solution.”

Support and Opposition

City officials reportedly were unaware of the liquor-license clause when Hoobler was sworn into office in 2023 — a moment that the City has called a mistake. After Hoobler participated in a liquor-related discussion in 2024, however, the law was brought to the City’s attention.

The Highland Park City Council considered changing the law, but the measure split the board in half and failed to pass. Hoobler resigned in April.

Mayor Nancy Rotering opposed the change, as did Councilmembers Anthony Blumberg and Kim Stone.

“Could this be resolved by a change in the law? Sure,” Mayor Rotering said at the time. “But if we respond to the liquor law by changing the law, particularly for a sitting member, then what is the point of having laws? Then here we are. The way we resolve this is with our vote this evening.”

Rotering and the City have largely declined opportunities to speak about the referendum.

Annette Lidawer, Yumi Ross and Andres Tapia all supported the change in the liquor code.

Lidawer said prior to the council vote in February, “I will not be a part of a vote to keep a useless ordinance, which is not consistent with state law and which discriminates against people in certain vocations but not others from being able to hold office from no public policy and no compelling reasons.” 

As word spread about the controversy, residents became more involved, speaking at council meetings, rallying outside City Hall and submitting a petition with more than 2,000 signatures.

Irwin Bernstein is the man behind the petition and thus, referendum. He also started the political action committee Highland Park Forward, which is co-chaired by Hoobler. The group advocates for a “yes” vote to the referendum question, but also transparency and inclusivity in government.

“Residents from all corners of the community are telling us they want the Highland Park City Council to update its antiquated liquor licensing law so it no longer limits who can serve in elected office,” said Bernstein in a press release from HP Forward.

The release also includes statements from other community members, such as business owner Jim Lederer, of Bluegrass restaurant. He says in the release:

“Everyone knows this antiquated law needs to be fixed, and the only reason to keep it on the books in 2024 is to exclude a targeted segment of the population from running for elected office in Highland Park

“Voters elected Hoobler knowing that he held a liquor license, and they likely picked him because of his business experience.” 

City of Highland Park: Liquor License Referendum

Referendum Purpose: Advisory (non-binding) question to inform City of Highland Park decisions on its liquor code and its prohibition on elected officials holding liquor licenses
Background: A provision in Highland Park’s liquor code that prohibits city councilmembers from holding liquor licenses was challenged in 2024. The council rejected a change (3-3 vote) to the code, and Councilmember Jeff Hoobler, a liquor license holder, resigned. A community petition qualified the referendum for the ballot.

Ballot Question

“Should the City of Highland Park amend its laws to allow liquor license holders to serve as elected city officials?”