Peoria approves movie theater alcohol sales on first reading, 8-2 vote

Council Approves Movie Theater Alcohol Sales 8-2 Amid Family-Atmosphere Concerns; Truck Parking and Cold-Case Testimony Dominate Evening

Peoria City Council on February 25, 2020, approved a first reading of an ordinance permitting alcoholic beverage sales in movie theaters—a narrowly divided 8-2 decision that exposed fundamental disagreement over whether business viability should override family-friendly atmosphere. The approval of Option A allows single-serving containers sold in theater lobbies with a maximum 2-drink purchase limit, addressing revenue challenges facing AMC and Goodrich locations. Denis Cyr and Timothy More led support; Councilmembers Ray Gray and Mark Alley opposed, calling instead for a restaurant-model approach or no alcohol at all.

The same meeting saw unanimous passage of a truck-parking ordinance and searing public testimony on an 885-day-old missing-person case, with community members demanding action and raising awareness of a broader pattern of unsolved murders of women and girls in Peoria County.

Key Speeches

"After doing a lot of research and talking to attorneys from Chicago and other cities and some of my colleagues around this horseshoe and most importantly after talking to my constituent week in the fifth District we have two of those theaters are right here in the first District business is declining everywhere and no they have we all know about what's happening to big boxes around the country and around Peoria these also are two big boxes and with leases that they have two or three years the years left on those leases and to me I think having theaters in the fifth District and in the City of Peoria really add to the quality of life and I want to give them an opportunity." — Councilmember Denis Cyr

"I believe you have a problem here with supervision one of our biggest issues in this community is the abuse of alcohol and I just don't see this as being something that's in the best interest of the movie theaters or our families who go to the movie theaters." — Councilmember Ray Gray

"I think it's important that we support our businesses that are here in Peoria and I think that this is a good way to go. I hope the majority of the council does." — Councilmember Timothy More

"I don't like the idea of mixing the alcohol with the family atmosphere I think that it will create many problems within our movie theaters. If option B is not a real option not a real interest then I'd lean toward option C as well." — Councilmember Mark Alley

"The only difference is one of degree size level of development environment and degree of dependence. Honorable representatives of justice around this shoehorn murder is legally defined as taking human life in an unjustified manner with malice aforethought yet this is taking place under your watch under your jurisdiction." — Steve Morris, pastor, Providence Church (public comment on abortion)

Timeline

Movie Theater Alcohol Ordinance (Item 19-278):

• Corporation Counsel presentation: Two options presented—Option A (single-serving, lobby sales, 2-drink maximum) and Option B (sit-down restaurant model). Only the Peoria Riverfront Museum currently holds a license to sell alcohol in a theater venue. November 2019: AMC and Goodrich approached Liquor Commission with proposal.

• Attorney presentation: Rob Anderson (Ray Law Firm, representing AMC) testified that Option B "would just not be financially workable" for existing theaters. Cost of retrofit, additional employees, and customer price increases made restaurant model unviable. Anderson noted that AMC previously operated a dine-in theater in Rosemont, Illinois, which was shut down due to lack of financial viability. Goodrich representative Keith Thomas was absent but conveyed similar concerns via Anderson.

• Council discussion: Denis Cyr reversed his prior opposition, citing theater revenue decline and industry precedent in other cities. More supported, noting attending movies with alcohol service in other markets without incident and referencing use of different-colored cups and bartender ID-checking protocols (though wristbands were rejected by industry due to bartender compliance concerns). Gray emphasized supervision gaps, declining business model claims, and concern that theater operators had already rejected Option B. Alley preferred Option B or no ordinance, citing Landmark Theater's success without alcohol. Councilmember Zachary Oyler, noting 20-year experience in movie operations, called Option A "a good happy medium" and highlighted the 2-drink maximum as a safety safeguard absent from many comparable ordinances. Gray argued the comparison to Peoria Riverfront Museum was "apples and oranges" (single-screen, family events vs. multi-screen commercial theaters) and voiced concern about supervision across multiple theaters. Zachary Oyler acknowledged council's ability to deny or revoke licenses per site-approval process. Councilmember Dr. Kiran Velpula noted that passage of Option A did not guarantee approval for individual theaters—each would still require Liquor Commission site approval and council vote.

• Public comment: None directly on this item during designated public-comment period.

• Vote: 8 yes, 2 no (Gray, Alley opposed).

Truck Parking Ordinance (Item 20-56, Ordinance C):

• Staff recommendation: Director Black presented after prior two iterations. Ordinance C permits Class 2 truck parking as a permitted use in industrial districts (I1, I2, I3) with administrative staff review; special-use status in commercial districts (C2) requiring public hearing, Planning and Zoning Commission, and council approval. Conditions: maximum 5 vehicles, 72-hour maximum parking duration, site plan with delineated areas and directional signage, DRB review of safety, lighting, circulation, pedestrian paths, buffering from noise and air pollution. Nuisance ordinance restrictions apply (no running engines, horns, etc.). Changes from earlier version: staff reviewed setback waivers that had been "granted in every case" historically; moving to administrative process rather than council approval reduced burden; 60-foot centerline setback (or 25 feet from property line, whichever greater) replaced long-standing 100-foot requirement.

• Council discussion: Councilmember Denise Jackson (1st District) raised concerns about trucks passing through roundabouts and residential areas en route to industrial parks; Director Black confirmed roundabouts are designed for semi-trucks and that industrial areas already see significant truck traffic. Councilmember John Kelly clarified parcel vs. zoning-lot terminology to ensure understanding of "location" in ordinance. Councilmember Michael More asked about nuisance ordinance applicability and administrative vs. special-use distinction; confirmed all districts subject to existing noise/exhaust restrictions. Councilmember More also raised concern about air and 1 a.m. exhaust and noted police will respond to non-emergency calls; Director Black acknowledged need for notification but emphasized existing ordinances provide remedy. More questioned whether cap of 5 vehicles could be exceeded and whether commercial property owners might attempt to monetize parking; Director Black explained baseline of 5 (administrative review cannot exceed in industrial zones), but council retains waiver authority in special-use (C2) process, preventing use as "Airbnb for trucks." Councilmember Ray Gray expressed anti-truck sentiment but acknowledged ordinance brings order to previous chaos (no designated areas); stated that though "people in my district don't like seeing semi tractor-trailer trucks" he recognized need for "balance between the requirements and the needs of the neighborhood and businesses." Councilmember Mark Alley voiced concern about potential revocation of special-use permits if future councils object; Director Black clarified that revocation requires violation (e.g., exceeding truck count or parking duration) and likened it to any special-use permanence (e.g., churches). Councilmember Zachary Oyler clarified public-hearing process and highlighted council's ability to deny site-specific requests on grounds of impropriateness (parcel size, residential proximity, customer access).

• Vote: Unanimous approval.

UDC Setback Amendment (Item 20-54, First Reading):

• Staff recommendation: Director Black explained amendment reducing setback requirement from 100 feet to 60 feet from major-thoroughfare centerline (or 25 feet from property line, whichever greater), changing waiver process from council approval to administrative review. 1950s requirement assumed 200-foot roadways (never built); frequent waivers had all been granted. New standard balances development flexibility with protection if city/state needs additional right-of-way. No questions posed; unanimous motion to receive and file first reading.

Home Camera Security Subsidy (Item 20-56):

• Councilmember Montelongo presentation: Requested approval of $29,400 from general fund balance to subsidize $50 home camera equipment purchases. Ring discontinued matching program (previously: city $50 + Ring $50). Staff working on vendor-neutral policy; verification through police department; policy to return at next meeting before funds expended.

• Council discussion: John Kelly asked whether Ring still participating; city manager confirmed discontinuation and outlined staff plan for subsidy (city $50, vendor-agnostic). John Kelly asked if other doorbell-camera systems could qualify; affirmed. Vote: Unanimous approval.

Alexis Scott Missing-Person Case (Public Comment):

• Kristin Mayer (organizer, Remember Her Peoria installation): Testified that Alexis Camry Scott has been missing for 885 days (two and a half years). Installation at 1311 SW Adams features dresses/garments of 94+ women and children murdered in Peoria and Peoria County over past 25 years; many cases unsolved. Noted Peoria Police Department lacks active cold-case unit (cases reviewed only during "lull" in shootings). Thanked Councilmembers Moore and Regan Bach for attendance. Urged council to visit installation (last day Saturday). Urged community action and closure for families.

• Jody Smith Brown: Lives 262 feet from Scott's last-known location (125 Richmond Avenue). Testified to 885-day absence and community inaction. Expressed concern that family has raised only $6,627 (via GoFundMe) for investigative costs—far insufficient compared to community resources. Pleaded for donations and community mobilization.

• Darcy Cady (Alexis Camry Scott campaign representative): Testified since December 2017. Outlined campaign efforts: t-shirts, flyers, yard signs, car decals, multiple marches, press conference, public-service projects (domestic-violence victim support, advocacy for other missing persons including Jani Sellars and Mark Bowe). Featured on crime-investigation YouTube channels and daytime television. Asked why community action must precede government action. Cited 5,000-person social media following. Raised specific questions: status of bleached and burned clothing/hair found at Banner Marsh (DNA testing?). Requested further Peoria Police Department and City Council action.

• Vote/Outcome: No formal vote; Mayor Ardis and council acknowledged testimony. Councilmember Moore requested city manager investigate naming south side fire station after firefighter Eddie Gaines (first African-American firefighter hired by Peoria Fire Department, 1957). City manager agreed to report back at next meeting.

Opposition (Movie Theater Alcohol)

• Number of speakers against: Two council members voted no; no organized public opposition during public-comment period.

• Main concerns:

  1. Supervision and child safety in multi-screen, high-traffic venues
  2. Mixing alcohol with family atmosphere and unsupervised teenagers
  3. Inconsistency with Peoria's stated commitment to addressing alcohol abuse
  4. Desperation narrative of theater industry; business model concerns
  5. Lack of financial viability of Option B suggesting low stakeholder commitment
  6. Precedent-setting for other venues (Landmark) and risk of sprawl to other districts
  7. Comparison to riverfront museum flawed (single-screen, adult-centric vs. multi-screen commercial)

• Most compelling arguments:

  • Gray: "supervision one of our biggest issues in this community is the abuse of alcohol and I just don't see this as being something that's in the best interest of the movie theaters or our families"
  • Alley: preference for Option B (sit-down restaurant model) or Option C (no approval), citing Landmark's success without alcohol

• Organized groups: None identified; opposition came from individual council members, not public organizations.

Support (Movie Theater Alcohol)

• Number of speakers for: Two council members actively advocated (Denis Cyr, More); one with relevant industry experience (Zachary Oyler) expressed support.

• Main arguments:

  1. Theater industry in structural decline; leases expiring in 2-3 years
  2. Precedent in other cities (Chicago, small towns) shows viability
  3. Existing safeguards: 2-drink maximum (absent in many comparable ordinances), different-colored cups, bartender ID-checking
  4. Council retains regulatory control: can deny or revoke licenses per site-approval process
  5. Different business model than option B; cost of retrofit prohibitive for existing structures
  6. Peoria Riverfront Museum operates successfully with alcohol service
  7. Supports quality-of-life amenities in 5th District

• Most compelling arguments:

  • Denis Cyr: "business is declining everywhere" and "with leases that they have two or three years the years left on those leases and to me I think having theaters in the fifth District and in the City of Peoria really add to the quality of life and I want to give them an opportunity"
  • Zachary Oyler (20-year theater operations experience): "when blockbusters come out most of the ticket sales goes off to some other city up off to Hollywood and so movie theaters have to make it on the concessions"

• Organized groups: AMC Theaters and Goodrich Theatres (represented by attorney Rob Anderson).

Project Details

Movie Theater Alcohol Ordinance:

• Case number: 19-278 (substitute ordinances changing Class O to MT)
• Applicant / developer: AMC Theaters, Goodrich Theatres
• Attorney: Rob Anderson, Ray Law Firm (representing AMC)
• Proposed change: Addition of Class O license type permitting alcoholic beverage sales in movie theaters
• Option A (approved for first reading): Single-serving containers, maximum 2-drink purchase, lobby sales only
• Option B (rejected by industry): Sit-down restaurant model with ordered alcohol, full food service
• Current precedent: Peoria Riverfront Museum operates under existing license; only movie theater currently permitted to sell alcohol
• Next steps: Second reading required; individual theaters must still obtain site approval from Liquor Commission and council vote

Truck Parking Ordinance:

• Case number: 20-56, Ordinance C
• Current zoning affected: Industrial (I1, I2, I3) and Commercial (C2) districts
• Permitted use (industrial): Class 2 truck parking, administrative staff review
• Special use (commercial C2): Requires Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, public notice, council approval
• Conditions: 5-vehicle maximum, 72-hour maximum parking duration, site plan with directional signage, DRB review (safety, lighting, circulation, pedestrian access, buffering), nuisance ordinance compliance
• Existing restrictions: No running engines, horns, or other nuisances; apply city-wide

UDC Setback Amendment:

• Case number: 20-54, First Reading
• Current requirement: 100 feet from centerline of major thoroughfares
• Proposed requirement: 60 feet from centerline or 25 feet from property line (whichever greater)
• Waiver process change: From council approval to administrative staff review
• Rationale: 1950s standard assumed 200-foot roadways (never realized); frequent waivers always granted; new standard provides flexibility while protecting city/state right-of-way interests
• Next steps: Second reading required

Vote Breakdown

Movie Theater Alcohol Ordinance (Option A, First Reading):

• Final: 8-2
• Yes: Denis Cyr, More, Zachary Oyler, Montelongo, Timothy Riggenbach, Regan Bach, John Kelly, Dr. Kiran Velpula
• No: Councilmembers Gray, Alley
• Abstentions / absences: None noted

Truck Parking Ordinance (Ordinance C):

• Final: Unanimous
• **Individual votes not separately named in transcript

UDC Setback Amendment (First Reading):

• Final: Unanimous
• **Individual votes not separately named in transcript

Home Camera Subsidy ($29,400):

• Final: Unanimous
• **Individual votes not separately named in transcript

City Manager Compensation Increase ($4,828):

• Final: Unanimous

Other Unanimous Consent Agenda Items:

• Community events scheduling approval
• Western Avenue right-of-way acquisition ($9,900)
• 2024 transit van purchase ($38,232)
• Fire turnout gear contract (Dingess Fire Equipment)
• Property rezoning 6847 North Allen Road (R6 → R single-family)
• Grand Stay Hotel liquor license (Class D)
• Weavers Fresh Food & Drink liquor license (Class B, 50% food)
• IDOT documentation review (Item 20-53)

Outcome & Next Steps

Movie Theater Alcohol: First reading passed 8-2 for Option A. Ordinance must return for second reading before final adoption. Individual theater operators (AMC, Goodrich) must submit separate site-application requests to Liquor Commission for case-by-case approval; council retains veto power. Director Black or Corporation Counsel indicated sunset provision could be added if council desires time-limited pilot (suggested by Councilmember Montelongo, not adopted tonight).

Truck Parking: Ordinance C adopted unanimously and effective immediately. Property owners wishing to offer truck parking in industrial districts must file with Community Development Department (administrative review); commercial district applicants must proceed through Planning and Zoning Commission with public hearing. Conditions (5 vehicles, 72 hours, site plan, DRB review) apply to all. Police will respond to non-emergency nuisance complaints.

UDC Setback Amendment: First reading approved unanimously; second reading required for final adoption. If adopted, waiver requests shift from council approval to administrative staff processing.

Alexis Scott Cold-Case Investigation: City Manager instructed to investigate feasibility of naming new south side fire station after firefighter Eddie Gaines (first African-American hire, 1957) as tribute to Black History Month and community resilience. Report due at next meeting. No formal action taken on cold-case resources, though Councilmember Moore and Regan Bach pledged continued support and visited "Remember Her Peoria" installation.

Home Camera Subsidy: $29,400 approved contingent on vendor-neutral policy development. Staff to present policy (involving police verification and $50 discount per camera, vendor-agnostic) at next council meeting; no funds expended until policy approved.

Controversies & Context

Movie Theater Alcohol (Notability: High Political/Community Divide)

The ordinance revealed fault lines between council members prioritizing business survival and those emphasizing family-friendly venues and supervision. Councilmember Cyr's reversal—from prior opposition to support—hinged on conversations with 5th District constituents and recognition of theater industry distress nationwide (blockbuster revenue flowing to studios, concessions as primary revenue stream). Yet his claim of constituent support was immediately disputed by Dr. Andre W. Allen, also from 5th District, who stated "adamantly opposed" residents had contacted her, underscoring that district-level consensus did not exist. Gray's challenge to the "desperate" framing and Alley's insistence on Option B (full restaurant model, which industry rejected on cost grounds) signaled deeper ideological divide: whether government should ease regulations to preserve marginal businesses or maintain higher standards despite market pressures. The 8-2 vote suggested broad consensus among council, but the vocal dissent and divisive public testimony (pastor Steve Morris's abortion remarks unrelated but emotionally charged) created fractious tone. Precedent-setting concern was explicit: Gray worried about Landmark Theater and future proliferation across districts, and Alley noted approval of Option A constituted being "half pregnant"—opening door without full commitment to consequences.

Alexis Scott Case & Cold-Case System (Notability: High Community/Justice Equity)

Testimony from Kristin Mayer, Jody Smith Brown, and Darcy Cady exposed systemic gap in Peoria's investigative capacity. Scott missing 885 days (since September 23, 2017); Peoria Police Department has no dedicated cold-case unit; cases reviewed only during lulls in active shootings. "Remember Her Peoria" installation documents 94+ murdered women/children in Peoria County; many unsolved. GoFundMe for Scott case raised $6,627—inadequate relative to investigative costs and community affluence. Cady's ACS campaign (active since 2017) conducted marches, press conferences, social-media mobilization (5,000 followers) and sought DNA analysis of clothing/hair found at Banner Marsh. No formal council response; Mayor Ardis and council acknowledged but deferred substantive action. Councilmember Moore's motion to name south side fire station after firefighter Eddie Gaines (first African-American hire, 1957, subjected to hazing including urine in boots) was framed as broader tribute to resilience, but juxtaposition with cold-case testimony suggested South side historically underserved by city institutions (food desert, fewer grocery stores, lower police resources). Community mobilization ("Remember Her Peoria") and fundraising appeals underscore public frustration with police capacity and council's muted response.

South Side Development & Community Engagement (Notability: Medium Equity/Process Concern)

Robert Johnson (Southside Community for Change) testified that craft brewery application (4040 SW Adams) was withdrawn without prior community consultation. Residents learned of application only through Planning & Zoning Commission notices; no outreach by applicant or council. Johnson noted south side is food desert (no grocery store) and expressed concern about future development projects arriving without resident input. Denise Jackson (1st District) stated she had "no information" when residents approached her. Johnson thanked those who came but lamented disrespect of residents' exclusion from decision-making. Outcome: application already withdrawn by applicant; no council action taken. Issue flagged for future compliance but no process guarantees established.

Abortion Testimony (Notability: Unexpected; Off-Agenda; Politically Divisive)

Steve Morris (pastor, Providence Church) and Benjamin Howsam delivered lengthy, passionate testimony framing abortion as murder and calling on council to declare Peoria a "sanctuary city for all of life" and ban abortion within city jurisdiction. Morris referenced God's commandments, challenged Supreme Court authority, and used graphic descriptions of abortion procedures. Howsam similarly invoked divine duty and civil magistrate responsibility. Neither speaker was directly engaged by council; Mayor Ardis and council remained silent, accepting remarks without comment or rebuttal. Remarks were not related to any agenda item and appeared designed to leverage public-comment period to pressure council on state/federal policy question beyond municipal jurisdiction. Controversy stemmed from council's non-response (interpreted by both sides: either respectful restraint or indifference) and broader cultural/political divisions in Peoria community.

Duration

• This item (Movie Theater Alcohol): Approximately 45 minutes (council discussion + attorney presentation)
• Truck Parking Ordinance: Approximately 30 minutes (extended discussion; second item receiving majority of time)
• Total meeting: Approximately 3.5 hours (including proclamations, consent agenda, first readings, regular business, unfinished business, new business, and public comment)

Other Notable Items

UDC Setback Amendment (First Reading): Approved unanimously. Reduces setback requirement from 100 feet to 60 feet from centerline of major thoroughfares (or 25 feet from property line, whichever greater); shifts waiver process from council to administrative staff. Addresses long-standing, frequently waived 1950s requirement predicated on 200-foot roadways never built. Second reading pending.

Western Avenue Right-of-Way Acquisition: John Kelly questioned $9,900 cost for small parcel on 1037 SW Avenue (temporary construction easement + permanent right-of-way). Director clarified: easement permits construction work on private property during project without liability; permanent acquisition is for sidewalk. Cost appraised by consulting firm. Motion passed unanimously.

IDOT Documentation Review (Item 20-53): Report reconciling Illinois Department of Transportation records with city records (audit gap: 2009–2017). Denis Cyr questioned lack of detail; Director Black explained report is reconciliation ensuring MFT resolutions followed correctly. Contract employee retired and returned to complete backlog. Expected to become annual process beginning July 2020. Received and filed unanimously.

Public Access Television / Channel 22 Signage (Unfinished Business): Councilmember Moore credited assistant city manager Stacy Peterson for launching digital-signage program on cable channel 22. Signage displays city events, meeting schedules, Twitter feed, news links, website updates. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 4–9 a.m. and 3–5 p.m.; weekend hours varied. Does not interrupt existing programming (council meetings, school board, arts). Moore expressed gratitude for 4–5 year effort to modernize communication to non-digital residents. No vote; informational update.

Granicus Contract Negotiation (Unfinished Business): City Manager reported successful negotiation with Granicus (unknown vendor, likely software/service provider) to reduce annual cost escalator from 7% to 3%, saving approximately $3,800 over contract life. John Kelly requested update; approved without vote.

Naming South Side Fire Station After Firefighter Eddie Gaines (New Business): Councilmember Moore moved that City Manager investigate feasibility of naming new south side fire station after Eddie Gaines, Peoria's first African-American firefighter (hired 1957). Gaines endured hazing (urine in boots) and indignities documented in Dr. Romeo B. Garrett's book The Negro in Peoria. Moore urged council to vote on naming at next meeting as tribute to Black History Month (ended February 29) and community resilience. City Manager agreed to report back. No formal vote; referral to staff.

Cannabis Tax Revenue Report Request (New Business): Councilmember Jensen requested report on Peoria's revenue from local cannabis sales tax (effective July 1, 2020). City Manager noted state may not yet be reporting revenue by jurisdiction; will investigate. No current local tax in effect; report deferred.

Coronavirus Information (Mayor's Announcement, New Business): Mayor Ardis noted council received informational materials from fire chief on coronavirus (COVID-19) preparations, symptoms, and actions. Information posted on city website under news/events and social media. Informational only; no vote.

Condolences (Mayor's Announcement): Mayor extended council and staff condolences to Councilmember Zachary Oyler on death of his mother.