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Tasting DeVine's Liquor License Application Moves To Public Hearing

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 13:08 GMT by Patch
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Wheaton Residents to Hear Liquor‑License Application for New “Tasting Devines” Restaurant

Wheaton, Ill. – The City of Wheaton’s Planning and Zoning Committee has moved forward a contentious liquor‑license application submitted by the owners of the newly‑announced “Tasting Devines” restaurant, setting the stage for a public hearing scheduled for May 29 at City Hall. The hearing will allow city officials and community members to weigh in on whether the restaurant should be granted a license to sell alcoholic beverages on its premises.

A New Culinary Destination on the Horizon

“Tasting Devines” is the brainchild of local restaurateur Alexei Romanov, who has been a prominent figure in the region’s dining scene for more than a decade. The restaurant will be located at 1400 South‑East Main Street, a block just north of the Wheaton Town Center. Romanov has announced that the venue will feature a menu of contemporary Italian cuisine paired with a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and a selection of spirits. According to the owners’ application, the establishment will have a seating capacity of 120, with an open‑air patio that can accommodate an additional 30 patrons.

In a brief statement to the press, Romanov said: “We’re excited to bring a new dining experience to Wheaton, one that brings people together over great food and drinks. Our focus is on quality, community, and responsible service. We hope the council will see that we’re committed to operating within the highest standards of hospitality.”

The Application Process: From Submission to Public Hearing

Wheaton’s municipal regulations require that any establishment wishing to sell alcohol must apply for a license through the city’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Control. The process begins with a written application that must include a detailed floor plan, security measures, noise mitigation strategies, and a background check for all owners and senior managers. Once submitted, the city conducts a preliminary review. If the application meets all statutory requirements, the city council schedules a public hearing where residents can provide testimony for or against the proposal.

The “Tasting Devines” application was formally submitted on March 15 and entered the city’s docket on March 18. The council’s preliminary review found that the restaurant’s floor plan and security protocols were compliant, but flagged a potential issue regarding the proximity of the venue to a residential area and the need for additional noise control measures. Consequently, the council deferred the application to the May 29 hearing to allow for community input and to address these concerns.

The city’s ordinance, which is available on the City of Wheaton’s official website, states that the granting of a liquor license is subject to “public safety, neighborhood character, and community interest.” The ordinance also provides a clear framework for the hearing, including the length of each testimony and the procedure for record‑keeping.

Community Voices: Support and Opposition

The scheduled hearing has already sparked a flurry of activity among residents. A group of neighbors, led by longtime Wheaton resident Maria Hernandez, has formed a petition titled “No Alcohol Near Our Homes.” The petition claims that the restaurant’s location—just a block from a series of single‑family homes—poses a risk of increased traffic, late‑night noise, and potential safety concerns for children. The group has organized a community meeting at the Wheaton Public Library, where they plan to discuss the petition’s points in more detail.

On the other side of the debate, several local businesses and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce have expressed support for the application. “An addition of a high‑quality restaurant with a liquor license would bring more visitors to the area, support local suppliers, and generate tax revenue for the city,” said Chamber President Linda Park in an email to the press. “We believe that the benefits to the community outweigh the potential drawbacks, especially if the restaurant can demonstrate strong commitment to responsible service.”

City Councilor Thomas Nguyen, who chairs the Committee on Planning and Zoning, stated that he intends to remain impartial: “We are here to serve the best interests of Wheaton. We will evaluate the application based on the city’s standards, the evidence presented by the owners, and the concerns raised by residents. Our goal is to make a fair, balanced decision.”

Practical Implications: Economic, Social, and Regulatory Aspects

If granted a liquor license, “Tasting Devines” would join a growing roster of Wheaton’s dining venues that sell alcohol, including the popular “Bistro on Main” and the upscale “Riverfront Café.” Proponents argue that a new venue would diversify the local economy, attract tourists, and provide employment opportunities. The restaurant’s owner has pledged to hire 40 new staff members during the first year of operation.

Opponents, however, caution that the proliferation of alcohol‑serving establishments could strain local infrastructure, increase the risk of impaired driving, and exacerbate noise complaints. The city’s current ordinance allows for special restrictions on a per‑establishment basis, such as limiting operating hours or requiring additional security measures. “The council can impose conditions that mitigate risks,” Nguyen said. “For instance, the restaurant could be required to provide a designated driver program or a limited operating window during the holiday season.”

The Road Ahead: What to Expect at the Hearing

The public hearing will take place on May 29 at 9:30 a.m. in the council chamber on City Hall’s second floor. The agenda includes an opening statement from the applicant, followed by testimony from community members, city officials, and the applicant’s legal counsel. After the hearing, the council will vote on whether to approve the license, approve it with conditions, or deny it altogether.

The city has made the hearing’s recording available on its website, and a live stream will be broadcast on the City of Wheaton’s official YouTube channel. The public is encouraged to submit written comments by May 25 to be considered in the final decision.

For residents who wish to attend, City Hall’s public access policy states that any member of the public may attend council meetings without advance registration. Parking is available in the municipal lot adjacent to City Hall, and public transit stops within a mile of the venue.

Bottom Line

The “Tasting Devines” liquor‑license application has brought the Wheaton community back into the conversation about how alcohol sales are regulated in the city. The upcoming public hearing on May 29 will determine whether the new restaurant can add to Wheaton’s culinary landscape, or whether the community’s concerns will lead to stricter restrictions or even a denial. As the city moves forward with this decision, it will continue to balance the economic benefits of new businesses against the need to preserve neighborhood character, safety, and quality of life for all residents.