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Letter to the editor: Women using their wiles to get cheaper or free drinks is illegal
On Thursday, the Northern Star printed a story titled “Feminine wiles get skilled women free drinks.” Several of the practices reported in this story are violations of the DeKalb liquor ordinance and the State of Illinois “Happy Hour” laws.
Specifically, Chapter 38.30 of the DeKalb Municipal Code states that no liquor licensee, or their employee or agent shall: “sell, offer to sell or serve any drink of alcoholic liquor to any person on any one date at a reduced price other than that charged other purchasers of drinks on that day where such reduced price is a promotion to encourage consumption of alcoholic liquor.”
I am aware that some establishments have established a “Night for the Ladies,” where they serve drinks that may be more appealing to women. This practice is permissible under the liquor ordinance, so long as any person of legal age is allowed to purchase the drink and no one at any time is denied service or charged a different price because of gender.
Advertising “Ladies Night” where women receive discounted drinks or a bar’s policy of charging some people less for drinks or giving away alcohol to women, as mentioned in the article, are clearly violations of this ordinance, and I would encourage anyone aware of these practices to contact me.
As deputy liquor commissioner, my duties include receiving complaints regarding violations of the liquor code and investigating those complaints.
I can be reached at 815-748-2392 or by email at cory.warren@cityofdekalb.com.
Additionally, disparate treatment due to a person’s gender may be a violation of the city’s Human Relations ordinance and state laws on human rights. The DeKalb Human Relations Commission investigates and mediates complaints of discrimination based on gender.
The Human Relations Commission can be reached by contacting the DeKalb Legal Department at 815-748-2093.
Cory Poris-Warren
City of DeKalb Deputy Liquor Commissioner
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Bartenders who offer attractive women drinks at a lower price can make the argument that they are charging full price, but netting it against paying the lovely females a nominal fee for improving the atmosphere and encouraging more men to come to the bar. Attractive female customers is good for overall business, especially in establishments selling liquor. This is fact despite how sexist or offensive it is.