SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill heading to the Illinois House floor could update state regulations for craft brewers and distillers to help grow business.
The plan could create a Class 3 craft distiller license and self-distribution exemption. It also clarifies that using third-party platforms to deliver liquor is not illegal reselling, transferring, or exchanging of alcoholic drinks.
The bill would allow craft brewer license holders to offer rewards and loyalty programs like mug clubs for customers as well.
"In 2019, we created the cocktails-to-go program," Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) said Tuesday. "It had a sunset. We're going to remove the sunset and make it a permanent program."
The Illinois Municipal League opposes making the cocktails-to-go program permanent, as some local governments across the state are dry communities.
Senate Bill 618 passed unanimously out of the House Executive Committee Tuesday night. It previously gained unanimous support in the Illinois Senate.
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