Chicago's beloved Wrigley Field, already a hot spot for Cubs fans and concertgoers alike, could soon see boozier times on its surrounding rooftop clubs. In a move that sets a new tone diverging from his predecessor, Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) dropped a proposal to the city council that opens the door to selling spirits at these prime perching spots for sports and entertainment lovers. This ordinance is not just for the crack of the bat; it would also let rooftops serve liquor at any major Wrigley event with a crowd over 12,500, according to NBC Chicago.
Amid the potential buzz, this legislation is sweetened with a sharp fee increase—from a modest $1,000 to a hefty $4,400 for a two-year rooftop license. However, Lawson, who's also the acting chair of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, believes that the controlled environment of the rooftops makes alcohol management easier as opposed to the free-range fans who could be bar-hopping from one spot to the next. "People stay within the space. They also don't move around. So you're actually able to monitor them a lot easier than if they were bar-hopping or going from section to section," Lawson said in a statement obtained by ABC7 Chicago.
Tackling concerns about rowdiness and public debauchery surrounding the storied ballpark, Lawson assures that responsible sale of hard liquor won't worsen these chronic complaints. Instead, the city has a toolkit ready if the merrymaking gets out of hand. "If we see a specific increased complaints tied to irresponsible service at rooftops, we can curtail hours. We could curtail offerings. We have the same tools as if you had a bad bar," Lawson told NBC Chicago.
The Cubs, eager to sync the rooftop experience with what's available inside Wrigley, are all in on the update, with team spokesman Julian Green stating a case for uniformity. "We want to make the experience for our fans similar to what they get in the ballpark. You can buy liquor right now in Wrigley Field. Now, we’ll be able to sell liquor on the rooftops," Green told ABC7 Chicago. He also cited a survey suggesting that the neighborhood populace feels more secure during game days, suggesting confidence that the rooftops will continue to be a hit, responsibly.
As the city council eyes this piece of legislation, many are mindful of the impact it could have, balancing business interests with neighborhood peace. Time will tell if Wrigley rooftops will raise the bar while keeping spirits high and community troubles low.
