feAlcohol-Serving Taco Bell Will Abide By Hour Restrictions, Staff Security Guards

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(Mike Mozart)

Don’t even think about getting a bit unruly at the soon-to-open boozy Taco Bell, because you’ll be under the watchful eye of a security guard.

DNAInfo reports that the operators of the alcohol-serving fast food restaurant – set to open in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood later this summer – recently agreed to a few restrictions amid concerns from area residents.

In addition to staffing a security guard at the door from 9 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, the restaurant will stop selling liquor at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Alcohol must be consumed on the premises and the staff will include workers over the age of 21 who have completed training to serve alcohol — which will come in a different style of cup to set it apart from non-alcoholic drinks.

The restrictions were settled upon after a community group expressed concerns in June about underage drinking, late hours and customers leaving the restaurant with open containers.

A lawyer for the operator – who owns 34 other Taco Bell restaurants in the area – said they felt the restrictions were reasonable. However, he notes that the plan can be amended or extended after nine months, depending on how things are going at the location.

The president of the Wicker Park Committee tells DNAInfo that the group welcomes the new establishment.

While both the Taco Bell owner and community group have agreed to the new plan, it still must be approved by the city’s Liquor Commissioner.

A spokesperson for Taco Bell tells DNAInfo that they expect the new location to open in August.

“Our franchisee is thrilled with the positive feedback from city officials and the Wicker Park Community on this newly designed Taco Bell,” he said, noting that a similar booze-serving restaurant is set to open in San Francisco in September.

Back in June, the fast food restaurant confirmed earlier rumors that it would sling boozy at the location.

Guests shouldn’t expect the same ol’ Taco Bell, as meals will be served in baskets. In addition to serving beer, wine or “mixed alcohol freezes” – that come with one shot of rum, tequila, or vodka  – to their meals, customers can order appetizers that aren’t currently available at other locations.

First Taco Bell to Sell Alcohol Agrees to Have Bouncers [DNAinfo]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist