SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will help craft brewers and distillers grow their business by updating state regulations. The legislation also makes the popular cocktails to go program permanent.
The new law creates a Class 3 distiller license, allowing distilleries to make up to 100,000 gallons of spirit annually. License holders can then apply to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons of liquor each year.
Sponsors clarified that using third-party platforms to deliver liquor is not illegal reselling, transferring, or exchanging of alcoholic drinks.
"It establishes a spirit showcase permit for licensed craft distillers," said Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). "It clarifies alcohol delivery provisions pursuant to Illinois Liquor Control Commission interpretation so that cocktails or mixed drinks in the manufacturer's original package is still eligible for delivery."
The law also allows craft brewer license holders to offer rewards and loyalty programs like mug clubs for customers.
"In addition, in 2019, we created a cocktails to go statute with a sunset," said Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island). "Senate Bill 618 removes that sunset and makes that a permanent program. It clarifies what cocktails are to go."
The Illinois Municipal League opposes making the cocktails to go program permanent, as some local governments are dry communities.
Senate Bill 618 passed out of the House on a 104-6 vote and received unanimous support in the Senate.
The Illinois Restaurant Association told WAND News this law guarantees alcohol delivery and cocktails to go can continue through 2028 and beyond. IRA also celebrated that Illinois is now the 30th state to make cocktails to go permanent.
"This commonsense policy is a win for restaurants, employees and customers across Illinois," said Mike Whatley, Vice President of State Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the National Restaurant Association. "The modern restaurant consumer is looking to order their meals to go more often, and allowing operators to include alcoholic beverages as part of those orders provides them with new ways to set themselves apart and to meet customer interest."
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