SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan Thursday to curb the amount of young people purchasing fruit flavored malt drinks containing 4-6% alcohol.
This bill requires retailers to separate soda and juice from liquor that looks like soda. The proposal prohibits retailers from displaying alcopop drinks next to soft drinks, bottled water or snacks catered to young customers.
"If it's an area that is designated where individuals who are not 21 shouldn't be, then you don't have to worry about those items being co-branded or alcohol-infused products being adjacent to those others because it's in the area that's supposed to be for 21 anyway," said Rep. Curtis Tarver (D-Chicago).
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission will also provide signs to retailers stating these drinks are alcoholic beverages only available to people 21 and older.
Senate Bill 2625 passed unanimously out of the House and now moves to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for his signature of approval. The legislation previously gained unanimous support in the Senate.
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