Commission Backs Cultured Grounds Alcohol Permit
The Peoria Liquor Commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval of an updated alcohol application for a coffee shop at Twin Towers Mall.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Cocktails
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The Peoria Liquor Commission voted 3-1 on Monday, Nov. 2, to recommend approval of Cultured Grounds' updated alcohol application at Twin Towers Mall. The commission had recommended denial of the initial application 3-1 in September.
Why it matters
The updated application defines a specific area where alcohol would be allowed inside the mall, addressing concerns raised earlier. The Peoria City Council must still approve the site before any alcohol sales can begin.
The controlled seating area will be separated from the common area by a four-foot aluminum fence, and the coffee shop operates from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. before transitioning to happy hour. Final approval depends on the Peoria City Council's Dec. 8 consideration.
The players
Peoria Liquor Commission
The city body that reviews liquor license applications and made the recommendation on the Cultured Grounds request.
Peoria City Council
The city's legislative body that will consider approval of the site on Dec. 8.
The details
Attorney Sam Zabek represented building owner Make Solutions LLC at the meeting, where the application was amended to add a beer garden subclass. Security will be stationed during bar hours, and a guard will walk the premises, while Twin Towers condo resident Gweneth Schwab opposed the request during public comment.
Timeline
September: Initial application recommended for denial 3-1.
Monday, Nov. 2: Liquor Commission votes 3-1 to recommend approval.
Dec. 8: Peoria City Council to consider site approval.
Season Trajectory
The Peoria Liquor Commission's reversal from a September denial to a November recommendation for approval follows the city's standard two-step review, with final authority resting with the City Council. Alcohol sales at a mall-based coffee shop would be a new addition to Peoria's dining and beverage options in that setting.
If approved, Twin Towers Mall visitors could order alcohol in a fenced beer garden area during happy hour hours after the coffee shop closes. Residents of the adjacent condominiums would see added security staffing during bar hours.
The takeaway
Local alcohol permits for mixed-use spaces often hinge on how clearly the service area is defined, and Cultured Grounds' revised plan addresses that directly. Residents following the issue can track the Dec. 8 council meeting for the final decision.
What happens next
The Peoria City Council is scheduled to consider approval of the site on Dec. 8, after which state and city liquor license applications must be approved before alcohol sales can begin.
Further reading
For more on the local drink scene, browse our Cocktails coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indianapolis Star.
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