Time zone, liquor rules dampen Olympic hopes for Vancouver bars - Business in Vancouver

WINNEBAGO, Ill. (Rockford News First) - Nearly eight years after Winnebago voters opened the door to liquor sales village-wide, residents and local businesses say the decision helped change where people eat, drink and spend time in the community. In November 2018, 87% of voters who weighed in on the referendum voted against continuing the village’s longtime prohibition on retail alcohol sales. Before the vote, only an annexed area north of McNair Road could sell alcohol. Angelique Nespor, a manager at Benton Street Tap, remembers the excitement that followed. Nespor previously worked at The Post, one of the bars that opened after the change. “When The Post opened originally, it was wall-to-wall people in there. This town was just so excited to have a place that they could drink,” said Nespor. “That was an amazing experience to be a part of.”Nespor said she has watched more businesses open in Winnebago since then. “Since eight years ago, I’ve seen more and more businesses pop up that can serve alcohol and people just have fun. They enjoy being in Winnebago,” said Nespor. Nespor manages one of the village’s newest businesses.