The City of Chicago has made a decision on Wrigley Plaza alcohol sales. It’s a reminder for the Chicago Cubs that in sports business, there are no moral victories.
Wrigley Plaza Alcohol Sales Deal Disappoints Chicago Cubs
Hal Dardick of the Chicago Tribune reported that while the Cubs have been granted a liquor license, it is much more limited than what the Major League Baseball team was hoping for.
The license, which will expire in three years, limits the Cubs’ ability to sell alcohol in under-construction Wrigley Plaza. The Cubs will only be able to sell alcohol on days when there is a game or other event ongoing in Wrigley Field. The limitations include restrictions on the time of day for sales as well.
This represents a tremendous potential hindrance to the Cubs blueprint for billions. The team was hoping to construct an outdoor beer garden that would be able to sell 365 days a year and with the same lenient time span that bars in the city enjoy.
Competing interests
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has called the structure of the license a compromise. It’s easy to understand the position of Emanuel and the city council. It’s in the best interest of the city for the Cubs to do well financially.
The council also has a responsibility to protect the interests of the alcohol-serving establishments which have been operating in Wrigleyville for years, however. A Wrigley Plaza able to serve all day, every day, represented serious competition.
The Ricketts, owners of the Cubs, understandably contend that the limits will hurt their ability to monetize Wrigley Plaza. Their position is easy to understand as well. For years, fans attending concerts or games at Wrigley Field have gone elsewhere for drinks and food after these events. The Cubs want to keep some of that revenue for themselves.
For the immediate future, however, the Cubs have little choice but to accept the license as is. The issue will be re-visited in three years. It will be their job during that time to convince the council that it’s in the best interest of the city to expand their license.
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