# Committee on License and Consumer Protection meeting, September 9, 2026

- When: Wed, Sep 9, 2026, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on License and Consumer Protection](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/license-and-consumer-protection)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928556?video=1225329148
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1225329148.txt) (2,779 words, automatic captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on License and Consumer Protection held a subject matter hearing on the status of the Bally's Chicago casino development and enforcement of the host community agreement (HCA), after Bally's re-phased parts of construction on August 8 and cited the City's legalization of video gaming terminals (VGTs). Bally's representatives said the HCA allows phased development, that the company has capital to meet its HCA obligations, that 136 construction workers were reduced, and that VGTs violate the HCA's economic premise. Members questioned Bally's finances, a going-concern disclosure, its lender's view of VGTs, and sweepstakes machines. Members also criticized administration officials, including Senior Advisor Jason Lee, for not attending, and Law Department staff declined to answer legal questions in public. No vote was taken on the hearing. The committee approved the Rule 45 reports, several package goods and liquor moratorium ordinances, shared housing restricted zones in the 15th, 23rd, 29th and 41st Wards, and an order directing a plan for a one-stop business licensing portal. The 19th Ward item was not taken up.

Topics: Bally's casino, host community agreement, video gaming terminals, sweepstakes machines, construction jobs, government transparency, liquor and package goods moratoriums, shared housing restrictions, business licensing portal

### Agenda items discussed

- [50:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3000) Approval of Rule 45 reports for July and August 2026: passed
- [50:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3019) Subject matter hearing on Chicago casino development and enforcement of the Bally's host community agreement: discussed
- [3:34:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=12862) 19th Ward item (Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea) - not called, sponsor absent (O2026-0026775): held
- [3:34:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=12881) Disallow additional package goods licenses on portions of West Fullerton Avenue (1st Ward) (O2026-0025816): passed
- [3:34:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=12881) Allow additional package goods licenses on portions of West Grand Avenue (1st Ward) (O2026-0027169): passed
- [3:36:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=12990) Disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portions of the 6th Ward (O2026-0027185): passed
- [3:36:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=12990) Disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portions of the 6th Ward (O2026-0027270): passed
- [3:36:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=12990) Disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portions of the 6th Ward (O2026-0027297): passed
- [3:37:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13075) Allow additional package goods licenses on portions of South Stony Island Avenue (O2026-0027472): passed
- [3:39:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13146) Allow additional package goods licenses on portions of South and West Jefferson Street (O2026-0026831): passed
- [3:39:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13146) Allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portions of West Randolph, North Jefferson and West Washington (O2026-0027178): passed
- [3:40:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13250) Allow additional package goods licenses on portions of West Washington, North Canal and West Madison (O2026-0027186): passed
- [3:41:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13297) Restricted residential zones prohibiting additional shared housing units, 15th Ward precincts (items 14-32): passed
- [3:42:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13344) Restricted residential zones prohibiting additional shared housing units, 23rd Ward precincts (items 33-51, substitute): passed
- [3:43:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13418) Restricted residential zone prohibiting additional shared housing units, 29th Ward (O2026-0027438): passed
- [3:43:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13418) Restricted residential zone prohibiting additional shared housing units, 29th Ward (O2026-0027441): passed
- [3:44:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13481) Restricted residential zones prohibiting additional shared housing units, 41st Ward precincts (items 54-84): passed
- [3:45:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13521) Order directing BACP to formulate a plan for a one-stop shop business licensing and permitting portal (substitute) (Or2026-0025473): passed
- [3:53:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=14036) Allow additional package goods licenses on portions of West Belmont Avenue (substitute) (O2026-0026550): passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Debra L. Silverstein](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/50) (chair): Said the hearing was called because a major development project was partially halted and the public deserves answers on what happened, why, and whether both parties met HCA obligations. ([52:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3139)); Stated on the record that Senior Advisor Jason Lee and the Mayor's Chief of Staff were asked multiple times to attend and did not. ([54:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3284)); Asked which components are paused, when the city was notified, how many workers were affected, and whether Bally's alleged a breach. ([56:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3363))
- [Brendan Reilly](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/42) (alderperson): Asked which city officials were invited, how many times, and whether they gave a reason for not attending. ([1:03:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3783)); Asked what specific HCA provision the City has breached and whether Bally's objected to sweepstakes machines. ([1:04:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3860)); Asked why Bally's slowed non-gaming construction before any VGT is legally operating. ([1:07:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=4055))
- [Scott Waguespack](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/32) (alderperson): Asked staff to bring Jason Lee down from upstairs to answer questions. ([1:32:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=5566)); Asked what steps the Law Department took after August 8 to keep the dispute from escalating; disagreed with the refusal to answer publicly. ([1:33:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=5637)); Said the administration appeared to accept Bally's June 17 letter at face value and did not act. ([1:44:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=6242))
- [Anthony V. Napolitano](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/41) (alderperson): Asked whether Bally's was promised it would be the sole gaming operator in Chicago. ([1:55:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=6949)); Noted Bally's operates alongside VGTs in other markets and does well in some. ([1:58:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=7139)); Said Bally's must have considered sweepstakes machines and that blaming only VGTs is not genuine; hoped multiple gaming forms could coexist. ([2:00:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=7259))
- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (alderperson): Asked about long-term employment if only phase one is completed and what share of jobs are gaming-related. ([2:03:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=7409)); Asked whether the HCA specifically prohibits VGTs and whether the Law Department believes the City is in breach. ([2:05:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=7539)); Said Bally's has no relationship with his office and disclosure rules discourage communication; asked how disclosures are reported. ([2:07:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=7642))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Asked that anyone wishing to rebut the last public commenter be given equal opportunity, citing fairness. ([48:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=2901)); Asked the CFO whether all casino revenue goes to police and fire pensions. ([2:17:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=8226)); Said the issue must be viewed through its impact on struggling residents and asked about guaranteed annual revenue. ([2:17:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=8274))
- [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (alderperson): Asked for VGT counts in other states compared with Illinois. ([2:30:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=9021)); Asked whether the $4 million annual payment was made; Bally's said it was wired the day before. ([2:31:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=9081)); Asked whether Bally's signed a project labor agreement and if there were compliance issues. ([2:32:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=9146))
- [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (alderperson): Asked whether the City and Bally's have a regular cadence of meetings and whether they are documented. ([1:38:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=5894)); Said privilege is being used extensively in the city. ([1:43:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=6186)); Asked whether 'reset' is a term in the HCA; the Law Department said the word was not found. ([2:36:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=9364))
- [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (alderperson): Questioned public commenter Rick Heidner about Bally's alleged interest in buying his VGT company and asked for proof. ([45:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=2731)); Asked the CFO to research pension commitments and deliveries from the temporary and permanent casinos. ([2:47:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=10034)); Said the city wants Bally's to succeed, and asked why it would not finish the full project if it has the money. ([2:48:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=10101))
- [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (alderperson): Called it embarrassing that the council cannot get needed information. ([3:00:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=10800)); Asked whether the HCA mentions sweepstakes and argued existing sweepstakes revenue is already competition. ([3:00:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=10817)); Asked whether the HCA has penalties for missed deadlines and requested details through the chair. ([3:03:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=10995))
- [William E. Hall](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/6) (alderperson): Asked when Bally's finalized 2026 revenue projections and whether it projected profits. ([3:07:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=11247)); Asked when Bally's realized it would not meet projected revenue and how much VGT impact it projected. ([3:10:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=11425)); Concluded Bally's appears to have trouble managing money and that workers and communities bear the consequences. ([3:14:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=11697))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Asked Bally's how many meetings took place with the administration. ([1:37:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=5826)); Asked how many of the 136 laid-off union workers are city residents. ([2:24:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=8645)); Asked the status of slots at Midway Airport and said he learned of it from the newspaper. ([3:19:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=11986))
- [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/15) (alderperson): Said Bally's 2021 proposal claimed it would exceed revenue of all 10 Illinois casinos and asked if that has happened. ([1:25:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=5133)); Presented ordinances prohibiting shared housing throughout the 15th Ward, saying residents support them. ([3:41:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13316)); Suggested aldermanic notifications proceed unless an alderperson objects within 10 business days. ([3:51:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13903))
- [Michelle A. Harris](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/8) (alderperson): Requested approval to lift a moratorium so a business on South Stony Island can expand. ([3:38:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13099))
- [Silvana Tabares](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/23) (alderperson): Said residents support prohibiting temporary rentals and the items make the restriction consistent ward-wide. ([3:42:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13375))
- [Chris Taliaferro](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/29) (alderperson): Said the items prohibit shared housing in the 1st and 19th precincts with resident support. ([3:44:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13441))
- [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (alderperson): Supported the West Belmont ordinance to help Blue Moon Market. ([3:54:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=14049))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:03:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=3783) Reilly asked the chair which administration officials were invited and whether they gave a reason for not attending.
- [48:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=2901) Moore referenced Beale's questioning of a public commenter and asked that others be allowed to rebut.
- [1:43:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=6186) Nugent thanked Waguespack for allowing her point of information.
- [2:29:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=8949) Moore disputed the chair's ruling that his time had expired.
- [2:29:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=8956) The chair said Moore's time was up and offered a second round.
- [2:43:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=9822) Reilly said Nugent raised a very good point about who the Law Department represents.
- [2:45:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=9908) The chair agreed with Reilly that another hearing may be needed with the administration.
- [3:05:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=11144) Vasquez said Lawson was right about regular check-ins with developments.
- [3:06:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=11212) Vasquez cited Reilly in calling for independent council counsel.
- [3:49:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13794) Reilly applauded Martin's one-stop portal order and suggested a billing companion.
- [3:51:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13880) Lopez thanked Martin and suggested an aldermanic notification change.
- [3:53:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A?t=13981) Martin called Lopez's suggestion wise and proposed discussing it later.

## Documents

- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/77fc8659-087b-4cb6-bf1f-506d94a53184.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/44c01a15-c19c-f111-8076-001dd80aa3cc.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/fee07090-1933-48d3-8c43-218047c16e12.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/61670194-C09C-F111-8076-001DD803894A · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt