Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney yesterday "formally introduced his compromise plan to regulate an open-air plaza being built next to a renovated Wrigley Field, but the Cubs dismissed it as no compromise at all," according to Fran Spielman of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. The ordinance that Tunney introduced at the City Council meeting "creates a new license that would pave the way for 'limited alcohol sales in conjunction with' Cubs games and stadium concerts." It would "limit liquor sales on the plaza to beer and wine; regulate the 'points of sale'; mandate security measures; and establish strict noise limits." The Cubs responded to the revised ordinance by "claiming that the idea for an open-air plaza on private property originated with Tunney." The team said that Tunney "suggested it as an alternative to the Cubs’ request to 'use Sheffield Avenue to provide game day activities prevalent at ballparks in other cities.'” Tunney last week "stood his ground against the Cubs’ request for a patio license that could pave the way for extended liquor sales at the plaza." Earlier this week, four Wrigleyville community groups "backed him up" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 5/19).
