Beer Battle Brews Between Craft-Beer Makers and Distributors
Brewers make push to sell directly to customers amid slowing sales growth Source: WSJ By Saabira Chaudhuri June 2, 2018…
Read More
Illinois: BILL AMENDING PROHIBITIVE LIQUOR LICENSING LAW GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK
Source: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/ Joe Barnas JUNE 4, 2018 The measure would relax statewide restrictions on liquor licensure and encourage local control.…
Gambling expansion revived in Illinois House but stalls in committee
A massive gambling expansion bill stalled in a House committee Monday further clouding chances the bill can win approval before…
House sends Tobacco 21 measure to governor’s desk
Illinois News Network May 30, 2018 Legislation to raise the purchasing age of tobacco products including cigarettes to 21…
Marijuana, Opioids Rival Alcohol As Factors in Traffic Fatalities
Marijuana, Opioids Rival Alcohol As Factors in Traffic Fatalities Source: Forbes Greg Gardner May 31, 2018 Marijuana, opioids and non-alcoholic…
Gambling Expansion Bill Busts At Illinois Statehouse
Legislation allowing a major expansion of gambling in Illinois failed on Monday. It’s something lawmakers have been working on for…
ARE LOCAL BREWERIES KILLING LOCAL BARS?
Have you been to Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood lately, where it seems there’s a brewery on every corner? On Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons,…
Gambling expansion revived in Illinois House but stalls in committee
Gambling expansion revived in Illinois House but stalls in committee Illinois State Capitol building. File/The State Journal-Register By Doug Finke State…
American Beverage Licensees Returns to Las Vegas for 2019 Annual Meeting
BETHESDA, MD – MAY 23, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it is returning to Las Vegas,…
American Beverage Licensees Returns to Las Vegas for 2019 Annual Meeting
American Beverage Licensees Returns to Las Vegas for 2019 Annual Meeting BETHESDA, MD – MAY 23, 2018 – American…
Local 710 Reaches Tentative Agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
Teamsters Endorse Strong Contract, Secure Greatly Improved Benefits Posted on May 21, 2018 in Local News BOLINGBROOK, IL | The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining…
Returns on beer purchases for a special event
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can a Special Use Retailer return unused, untapped beer after an event? There are…
New site opened for Koerner Distributor, Inc.
Serves 60 counties across central and southern Illinois Graham Milldrum Daily News May 13, 2018 Dean Kremer, chief financial officer…
Federal Sports-Wagering Ban Overturned by U.S. Supreme Court
New Jersey wins right to legalize single-game sports wagering Legalized sports gambling could begin in a matter of weeks By…
Understanding the Tip Income Protection Act of 2018
Good, bad or a litigation nightmare waiting to happen? Jim Coleman | Apr 24, 2018 Buried deep within the 2,000-plus pages of…
House Passes Historic Digital Music Licensing Package
The House has unanimously passed the Music Modernization Act, a compromise bill that creates a framework for better compensating artists for…
United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas Becomes Newest ABL State Affiliate Member
Source: ABL MAY 4, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) welcomes the recently-formed United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas (UBRA) as the…
United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas Becomes Newest ABL State Affiliate Member
United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas Becomes Newest ABL State Affiliate Member BETHESDA, MD – MAY 4, 2018 – American…
May Is National Tavern Month
May Is National Tavern Month Join ABL in Recognizing Bar & Tavern Owners by Celebrating the 65th Annual Tavern…
Beverage Licensees Support Communities with Over $43 Billion in Taxes Annually
On Tax Day, American Beverage Licensees Highlights Economic Impact of Beverage Retailers APRIL 17, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD –…
Beverage Licensees Support Communities with Over $43 Billion in Taxes Annually
Beverage Licensees Support Communities with Over Billion in Taxes Annually On Tax Day, American Beverage Licensees Highlights Economic Impact…
New DUI policy: Refuse breath test, cop will seek instant warrant for blood test
Robert McCoppinContact ReporterChicago Tribune Police in McHenry County will be out for blood with drivers who refuse to take breath tests for…
Statement from American Beverage Licensees on Passage of the Music Modernization Act by the House Judiciary Committee
April 12, 2018 BETHESDA, MD – The passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) (H.R. 5447) by the House Judiciary…
Statement from American Beverage Licensees on Passage of the Music Modernization Act by the House Judiciary Committee
Statement from American Beverage Licensees on Passage of the Music Modernization Act by the House Judiciary Committee APRIL 12,…
Illinois liquor licenses revoked, suspended after bootlegging from Indiana
Source: http://www.nwitimes.com/ Joseph S. Pete Apr 3, 2018 Illinois revoked the liquor license of a south suburban nightclub and…
Beam and Bud Bet on Boilermakers
Chris Furnari Apr. 4, 2018 at 4:36 PM In an effort to capture a growing contingent of consumers who are…
Texas officials: Delivery apps becoming gateway for underage drinking
Some Texas officials are calling for for new legislation or permitting requirements for “digital-based companies” to head off what some…
Alcoholic-beverage industry eyes potential of self-driving vehicles
Illinois News Network Mar 25, 2018 steve52 | Shutterstock.com As automakers and technology companies work to develop self-driving vehicles, the…
Retailers decry plan to give third-party auditors confidential business information
By Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Mar 20, 2018 Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob KarrGreg Bishop…
Sixteen Beverage Retailers Honored at ABL Annual Meeting
Sixteen Beverage Retailers Honored at ABL Annual Meeting Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year Recognized for Their Continued Commitment to…
ABL Honors 16 Beverage Retailers at Annual Meeting
ABL Honors 16 Beverage Retailers at Annual Meeting Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year Recognized for Their Continued Commitment to the…
ABL Recognizes Sazerac President & CEO Mark Brown with 2018 Top Shelf Award
March 22, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) recognized Mark Brown, President & CEO of Sazerac Company,…
2018 ABL Annual Meeting a Success
2018 ABL Annual Meeting a Success Beverage Retailers from Across the Country Join ABL in New Orleans for Association’s…
Injured Man Wins $37.5M In Dram Shop Suit Against Club
Source: Law360 By Joyce Hanson March 14, 2018 A truck driver who became completely disabled and whose wife died…
Mexico finds more fake tequila and why the US rarely faces this issue.
But that could change! Source: Public Action Management Pam Erickson March 13th With Spring Break on the horizon it seems…
Belleville City Council Approves Gambling Tax Hike Proposal
Bar owners, who own and operate video gaming machines are reeling after the City Council confirmed plans to raise video gaming…
Delaware: Debate begins over bill to lower BAC for DUI in Delaware
Source: Delaware 105.9 FM By Rob Petree March 5, 2018 The American Beverage Institute (ABI) is vehemently opposed to legislation…
ON-PREMISE CONSUMERS ARE ORDERING BETTER QUALITY DRINKS MORE OFTEN
Source: Wine & Spirits Daily March 5th More consumers are consistently ordering beverage alcohol when they go out to eat.…
Casino industry disputes study showing Illinois smoking ban hasn’t dented revenue
By Scot Bertram | Illinois News Network Mar 2, 2018l The casino industry is disputing a new study that…
Study: Higher minimum wages hurt teen employment, adult paychecks
By Cole Lauterbach | Illinois News Network Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network A new study links the nation’s…
House votes to add requirements for Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits
The House on Thursday passed legislation that would create additional requirements for filing lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act…
Illinois: Federal Appeals Court to Hear Arguments on Illinois State Liquor Laws
Source: WSDI Kevin Owens February 15, 2018 After a Federal Judge dismissed efforts by out-of-state interests to upend Illinois’ liquor…
American Beverage Licensees Announces Additional Annual Meeting Speakers
American Beverage Licensees Announces Additional Annual Meeting Speakers February 13, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL)…
Retailers: Tobacco 21 proposal is aimed at stores, not young smokers
By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network Advocates for Illinois’ shop owners are worried that a proposal to hike…
Are taprooms killing the corner bar?
By Brigid Sweeney February 09, 2018 Jason Klein and Brad Shaffer, buddies since their 9-year-old hockey-playing days in the northwest suburbs, started…
Should Illinois legalize recreational marijuana?
Editorial Board When it comes to easing restrictions on cannabis, Illinois has not been a pioneer. Medical marijuana was legal…
Illinois: Bootleggers beware – Liquor commission tamping down on illegal alcohol shipments
Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/ 02/06/2018 After slapping nearly 1,000 liquor stores, wineries and shipping companies with “cease and desist” letters in December,…
Raising Illinois’ smoking age could create problems
By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network The push to raise Illinois’ smoking age could put lawmakers and parents in…
ABL: Annual Meeting Speakers to Provide Insight into Range of Issues Impacting Beverage Retailers
Source: ABL January 26, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced additional speakers for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting, to be…
Local control limits Sunday liquor sales in Illinois
In some spots, that’s not likely to change soon, officials say By Dave Taylor Tribune-Star Jan 26, 2018 It looks…
Revised liquor code could bring more bars, fewer restrictions
by Jacqueline Francis Wednesday, January 24th 2018 A new liquor code could mean new bars, fewer restrictions and even…
Leading Industry Brands & Organizations Supporting 2018 ABL Annual Meeting
Leading Industry Brands & Organizations Supporting 2018 ABL Annual Meeting February 1, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage…
Annual Meeting Speakers to Provide Insight into Range of Issues Impacting Beverage Retailers
Annual Meeting Speakers to Provide Insight into Range of Issues Impacting Beverage Retailers January 26, 2018 – Bethesda, MD…
ABL State & Local News Archive Now Available to Members
ABL State & Local News Archive Now Available to Members Wide-Ranging Catalog of State & Local News Includes Licensing…
State Lawmaker Says Now is the Time for Illinois to Push Forward on Gaming Expansion
• By Scot Bertram | Illinois News Network One state lawmaker says now is the time for Illinois to push…
Frat, Sorority Sisters Face Liability In Ill. Hazing Death
Source: Law360 By Hannah Meisel January 19, 2018 The Illinois Supreme Court found Friday that the state’s anti-hazing statute…
MADD Backs Scientists’ Goals for Reducing Drunken Driving But Doesn’t Endorse Lowering 0.08 Blood-Alcohol Limit
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/ Dana Branham, Breaking news reporter January 19th Mothers Against Drunk Driving largely supports recommendations from a group…
American Beverage Licensees Executive Director John Bodnovich: Statement on the NAS Report on Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Source: ABL January 17, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding the…
Drunken Driving Blood-Alcohol Threshold Should Be Lowered, Scientific Panel Says
Source: Fox News By JOAN LOWY | Associated Press January 17th A prestigious scientific panel is recommending that states significantly…
Rockford leaders consider home rulel Leaders
By WIFR Newsroom | Posted: Tue 7:49 PM, Jan 09, 2018 Updated: Tue 10:43 PM, Jan 09, 2018 ROCKFORD, Ill.…
Tips Equal Over Half Of Restaurant Staff Income, Report Says
Source: Law360 By Joyce Hanson January 11, 2018 More than half of earnings for waiters and bartenders come from tips,…
IL Appeals Court to Hear Retailer Shipping Case Next Month
Source: Wine & Spirits Daily January 10, 2018 The state of Illinois and an Indiana retailer will soon get another…
Lyft-branded Beer Aims to Give Ride Share Company a Lift in Bars
Source: Chicago Tribune Josh Noel January 10, 2018 As you might expect, Lyft has reams of data about its…
Section of Illinois DUI law ruled unconstitutional
• Illinois News Network • Jan 7, 2018 Anne Kitzman | Shutterstock Law enforcement officers investigating DUI cases need a…
Illinois Rolls Back LLC Fees
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation that substantially reduces startup, annual filing and other fees for limited liability companies (LLCs), the…
American Beverage Licensees Executive Director John Bodnovich: Statement on the NAS Report on Alcohol-Impaired Driving
BETHESDA, MD – January 17, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding…
Drunken Driving Blood-Alcohol Threshold Should Be Lowered, Scientific Panel Says
By JOAN LOWY | Associated Press WASHINGTON – A prestigious scientific panel is recommending that states significantly lower their drunken…
American Beverage Licensees Executive Director John Bodnovich: Statement on the NAS Report on Alcohol-Impaired Driving
American Beverage Licensees Executive Director John Bodnovich: Statement on the NAS Report on Alcohol-Impaired Driving BETHESDA, MD –…
Closing Liquor Loopholes
Crain’s reporting and recent editorial on Illinois retailers shipping alcohol out of state missed key facts. It created the false…
Illinois: Modern Day Bootlegging
Authorities said the owners of Columbia Liquors concocted an elaborate scheme to skip paying taxes on alcohol purchased for their…
Indiana: Feds Seize $1 Million from Hammond Liquor Store Alleged to Bootleg to Illinois
Source: http://www.nwitimes.com/ Joseph S. Pete Dec 20, 2017 Though bootlegging is most commonly associated with Prohibition, bathtub gin and gangsters…
TAXES AND FEES: State Rolls Back LLC Fees, Slashing Filing Costs for Small Businesses
Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation that substantially reduces startup, annual filing and other fees for limited liability companies (LLCs),…
Illinois’ Interstate Alcohol Regulations Hurt Small Businesses, Consumers
Source: https://www.illinoispolicy.org Vincent Caruso NOVEMBER 28, 2017 Prohibition died in 1933, but alcohol-related cronyism is alive and well. “Chicago’s retail…
RNDC President & CEO Tom Cole to Deliver Keynote Address at ABL Annual Meeting
RNDC President & CEO Tom Cole to Deliver Keynote Address at ABL Annual Meeting Will Address Beverage Alcohol Retailers on…
Smoky Bars are Garbage and Ruin Drinking
Source: VinePair Adam Teeter November 23, 2017 During the holidays many of us will journey to far-flung hometowns to share…
Illinois: Interstate Wine Ban Hurts Us All
Source: Crain’s By CRAIN’S EDITORIAL BOARD November 23rd Say you live on the North Shore and frequent Pantheon Wine Shoppe,…
ABL to Recognize Sazerac CEO Mark Brown with 2018 Top Shelf Award
Award Will Be Presented at the 16th ABL Annual Meeting in New Orleans November 27, 2017 – Bethesda, MD –…
2018 ABL Annual Meeting Registration Now Open
2018 ABL Annual Meeting Registration Now Open With Theme of “Navigating the Future,” Association’s Signature Event to Feature Presentations from…
Celebrate Package Liquor Store Month This November
Celebrate Package Liquor Store Month This November 8th Annual Celebration Recognizes the Role Independent Off-Premise Retailers Have in Job Creation,…