DeKalb and Sycamore have a BYOB license, which allows restaurants to permit patrons to bring bottles of wine or beer to drink with their meals. Each city’s license sets rules, such as when beer or wine can be consumed at the restaurant or the requirement of a meal being purchased to drink alcohol at the establishment.
Mediterraneo Grill owner Omar Musfi said it saves his customers money, but it’s not cheap for the restaurant. He had to pay the license fee, change his insurance and train his staff. The restaurant charges a $5 corking fee per table to recoup some of those costs.
According to DeKalb’s municipal code, those seeking a Class BY license must pay $250 for the initial issuance fee and $220 annually for renewal.
“The point is to bring more people to try the food,” Musfi said, mentioning that most customers who take advantage of BYOB do so with dinner and on weekends. “... It’s not making money, but it’s helping with business.”
Click on the following for the rest of the story: http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2011/06/22/though-not-moneymaker-for-restaurants-byob-draws-some-interested-diners/apgmhew/
