News

August 25, 2020   ILBA Member, Governor J.B. Pritker issued the below information today. We have underlined and put asterisks…

Crowded, cramped, and a little wild, dive bars are at odds with social distancing-and struggling to reopen. Source: https://www.cntraveler.com/ BY…

ILBA Members:   2020’s COVID19 has created a terrible hardship to the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) members and our…

Source: https://nypost.com/ By Bernadette Hogan August 17, 2020 Nearly 150 businesses in the state have lost their liquor licenses to…

Source: https://www.brewbound.com/ Jessica Infante Aug. 12, 2020 The Breakthru Beverage Group has reached an agreement to sell its beer and…

by Matt Roy Monday, August 10th 2020 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Springfield Police and Fire Departments are now working to make sure…

Source: https://www.brewbound.com/ Justin Kendall Aug. 7, 2020 The Reyes Beverage Group announced plans today to merge operations of its Chicagoland…

Chicago Sun Times – August 3, 2020 By Rachel Hinton  Aug 3, 2020, 12:41pm CDT Suburban bars, restaurants asked to take voluntary…

Governor J.B. Pritzker announced an update to Restore Illinois – July 15, 2020. Cut and paste the below link into…

  Gov. J.B. Pritzker focuses on bars as potential COVID-19 transmission hot spots when asked about possible rollback of reopening…

Illinois Association of Convenience Stores CEO says move would hurt c-stores’ bottom line By Hannah Prokop on Jul. 08, 2020 CHICAGO…

Chicago closes loophole, taxes remote DTC wine sales starting July 2020 Source: <https://www.avalara.com/> https://www.avalara.com/ Gail Cole Jun 30, 2020 As…

PLACE YOUR BETS By BEN ZIGTERMAN bzigterman@news-gazette.com CHAMPAIGN — Beginning at 9 a.m. today, video-gambling machines at establishments around the…

June 30, 2020 BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding states…

COVID19 DISRUPTION – THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020 Business Interruption Grants (BIG) & Community Support: Governor JB Pritzker has announced $900…

Please read the below link from the Chicago Tribune.   https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-hotels-pritzker-20200615-jqup6a65irekjdguyi45m3xyne-story.html

Talks with Uber fell through after antitrust concerns. Source: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/ June 11, 2020 In the wake of negotiations breaking down…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE JUNE 4, 2020 COVID19 DISRUPTION – THURSDAY JUNE 4, 2020 GOVERNOR PRITZKER SIGNS “COCKTAILS TO-GO”: Cocktails To-Go…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MAY 29, 2020 COVID19 DISRUPTION – FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020 PHASE 3 BEGINS & GOVERNOR’S NEW COMMUNITY…

Legislature OKs letting bars sell cocktails to go By JERRY NOWICKI jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — A measure allowing bars and restaurants…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MAY 20, 2020 COVID19 DISRUPTION – TUESDAY MAY 20, 2020 GOVERNOR PRITZKER ANNOUNCES OUTDOOR SERVICE OPTION IN…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MAY 19, 2020 COVID19 DISRUPTION – TUESDAY MAY 19, 2020 ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY RETURNS TO SPRINGFIELD: A…

May 14, 2020 The Honorable J.B. Pritzker Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706 Re: Reopening Illinois…

Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/ By JOSH NOEL MAY 13, 2020 Chicago beer drinkers could see a shortage of popular imported Mexican brands…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MAY 13, 2020 COVID19 Disruption – Wednesday, May 13, 2020   LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DEFY GOVERNOR PRITZKER’S EXECUTIVE…

Source: https://irishliquorlawyer.com/ May 11, 2020 The COVID-19 crisis is a game changer and has thrown even smooth operating businesses up…

Source: American Distilled Spirits Alliance May 11, 2020 The American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA) and American Beverage Licensees (ABL) are…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MAY 5, 2020 COVID19 Disruption – Tuesday, May 5, 2020 GOVERNOR PRITZKER RELEASES RESTORE ILLINOIS REOPENING PLAN…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE APRIL 30, 2020 COVID19 Disruption Thursday, April 30, 2020   Illinois Liquor Control Commission – Returns for…

The Honorable J.B. Pritzker                                                                                                       April 29, 2020 Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706 Re: Maintaining Parity…

Governor JB Pritzker Cynthia Berg, Chair Chimaobi Enyia, Executive Director 100 West Randolph Street, Suite 7-801, Chicago, IL 60601 300…

The coronavirus pandemic stranded unused beer in stadiums, concert halls, restaurants and bars. Now brewers and distributors facing sizable losses…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE APRIL 24, 2020 COVID19 Disruption – Friday, April 24, 2020 Governor J.B. Pritzker Extends Stay at Home…

Click the Download button to get your copy of the Play It Safe Toolkit      DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

COVID19 Disruption Friday, April 17, 2020 President Trump issued a 3-step reopening framework based on declining and sustained COVID19 infection…

ILBA SURVIVAL ALERT – Prepared by Eric Meyer, ILBA Government Affairs Chairman CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE –   4/14/2020 WILL YOU SURVIVE…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 Minimum Wage Delay Requested: The ILBA is part of a coalition that sent a…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE APRIL 7, 2020 ILBA MEMBERS MUST BE READY TO FILL OUT APPLICATIONS OR CLAIMS: Drew Olson, a…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE APRIL 6, 2020 COVID19 Disruption Monday, April 6, 2020   UPCOMING WEBINARS:   U.S. Small Business Administration…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE APRIL 1, 2020 COVID19 Disruption Wednesday, April 1, 2020 FEDERAL: Paycheck Protection Program Application Now Available from…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MARCH 31, 2020 COVID 19 Disruption Tuesday, March 31, 2020   Governor Pritzker has extended the COVID19…

March 31, 2020 Regarding:  ILBA May 2020 National Tavern Month Raffle Due to the unprecedented COVID 19 disruption, the ILBA…

ILBA INFORMATION UPDATE MARCH 30, 2020 COVID 19 Disruption Monday, March 30, 2020   Illinois Liquor Control Commission: Dispelling of…

ILBA INFORMATION UPDATE MARCH 27, 2020 COVID 19 Disruption Friday, March 27, 2020   Revision, as of 3/26/2020 – State…

Dan was interviewed via phone by Cameron Costa CNBC’s Squawk Box Segment Producer.  Cut and paste into your browser to…

ILBA INFORMATION UPDATE COVID 19 Disruption Thursday, March 26, 2020 Revision, as of 3/24/2020 – Golf Courses can be Open:…

ILBA INFORMATION UPDATE COVID 19 Disruption Wednesday, March 25, 2020 More Than $90 Million In Emergency Assistance Available for Small…

ILBA INFORMATION UPDATE COVID 19 Disruption Tuesday, March 24, 2020 1) Federal Updates: Federal Relief Legislation – The Senate has…

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association Members, We are a few days into the stay-at-home Executive Order announced at the close of…

ILBA INFORMATION UPDATE COVID 19 Disruption Friday, March 20, 2020 I) EXECUTIVE ORDER: GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER issued today a “stay-at-home”…

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, The ILBA has been requesting policy changes with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission pertaining to the…

ILBA INFORMATIONAL ALERT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE –   3/18/2020 PREPARE NOW FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDED CLOSURE The ILBA continues to…

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE – 3/16/2020 The ILBA continues to communicate with the Governor’s Office,  Illinois Liquor Control Commission, Illinois Gaming…

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, Today Illinois Governor J B Pritzker ordered the closure of restaurants, bars and liquor pouring establishments…

Illinois Liquor Control Commission COVID-19 Related Action Guidance on Product Returns for St. Patrick’s Day Parade Events – March 2020…

Update on the 2020 ABL Annual Meeting ABL Indefinitely Postpones Annual Meeting BETHESDA, MD – March 12, 2020 – Over…

Source: https://www.wsj.com/ By Cara Lombardo March 11, 2020 PepsiCo Inc. PEP -3.27% agreed to buy Rockstar Energy Beverages, in a…

Japanese restaurant chain Yoronotaki has opened a new pub in a train station A robot bartender will run the pub…

Unless your grandmother has a gambling jones. By Mark Brown@MarkBrownCST  Jan 31, 2020, 6:34pm CST So-called “sweepstakes” machines are all over Chicago,…

The Center Square Jan 13, 2020 Illinois ranks low in arrest rates for driving under the influence, according to a…

Source: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/ by Nicola Carruthers 14th January, 2020 Texas-based Tito’s Handmade Vodka became the best-selling spirit in the US in…

Sarah Hayden Jan 7, 2020 Updated Jan 9, 2020 Single servings of alcohol will soon be banned from being sold in Moline.…

Published January 2, 2020 | By John Schroyer (This story has been updated to include the latest sales and transaction numbers supplied by…

You can now legally get high in the great state of Illinois — provided you know a few simple rules…

Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/ By John Schroyer January 2, 2020 Thousands of marijuana enthusiasts – including Illinois’ lieutenant governor – turned out…

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Cubs would be allowed to start selling hard liquor in the plaza next to Wrigley Field next…

Kings and Convicts Brewing acquisition renders local company again independent Source: https://westcoastersd.com/ DECEMBER 3, 2019 In 2015, San Diego’s Ballast…

By ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ CHICAGO TRIBUNE | NOV 26, 2019 Chicago’s City Council on Tuesday approved a plan proposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot…

Source: https://thehill.com/ BY ALEX GANGITANO 11/22/19 A coalition of trade groups, led by the National Retail Federation (NRF), on Thursday…

Source: Explosion by Nick Guli November 22, 2019 In the USA, nearly 30 people every day are killed due to…

Ben Zigterman Nov 19, 2019 The Champaign city council will vote Tuesday on whether to increase the maximum number of…

Legislating around alcohol and driving using imperfect technology.   By Rick Berman – – Monday, November 18, 2019 ANALYSIS/OPINION: Most Americans…

But the wage-hike plan from Lori Lightfoot would raise the city’s minimum pay to $15 an hour by July 2021.…

Hikes scheduled as $15 an hour federal proposal stalls in Congress Source: https://www.nrn.com/ Ron Ruggless Nov 12, 2019 Nearly half…

There’s only one thing better than a cold beer and spending a leisurely afternoon in a taproom with friends enjoying…

Rep. Tim Butler has filed legislation in the House to bring so-called “sweepstakes” machines under Illinois’ video gaming laws. By IL…

New bipartisan Senate bill calls for onboard test equipment in every new car to prevent it from starting if driver’s…

Lightfoot proposes minimum wage boost for tipped workers’ pay Chicago Tribune 14 Nov 2019 BY ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ AND JOHN BYRNE…

The company also plans to cut 400 to 500 jobs as new CEO Gavin Hattersley faces declining or flat sales…

Source: https://www.law360.com/ By Celeste Bott October 23, 2019 An Illinois liquor distributor has agreed to pay nearly $1 million to…

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square Indiana had already beat Illinois in a race to allow sports wagering at the…

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD CHICAGO TRIBUNE | SEP 27, 2019  From City Hall, running a restaurant may look simple: Make good food,…

By Scott T. Holland Sept. 23, 2019 Larry Johnson is on the right track. Johnson, of downtown Ottawa’s JJ’s Tap, attended…

Illinois’ top health official said the vaping-related illness sweeping across the nation has “heightened consequences for youth and young adults.”…

By ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ CHICAGO TRIBUNE | SEP 23, 2019 | 10:12 AM Ali Baker, a server at Dos Urban Cantina in the Logan Square…

By Scot Bertram | The Center Square Sep 21, 2019 Small businesses in Illinois face a deadline to implement a new…

Association that represents alcohol businesses says it didn’t support recreational pot By Ali Braboy NewsTribune Reporter Sept. 17, 2019 Those…

By Pete Johnson State & Regulatory Affairs Manager September 9, 2019 Share Post ShareEmailTweet Signed by the Governor, House Bill 3610…

Rachael Bade, The Washington Post  Published 6:59 pm EDT, Friday, August 30, 2019 Rep. John Shimkus on Friday joined the growing list…

Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/ By ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ SEP 04, 2019 After years as a stronghold for Miller Lite, Chicago has become increasingly…

BETHESDA, MD – SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it will return to New Orleans,…

August 30, 2019by Phil Clegg Accel Entertainment, a leading gaming-as-a-service provider, has agreed to acquire Grand River Jackpot, one of…

ILLINOIS (WREX)- Illinois bars and restaurants can now fill more than just pints after Governor JB Pritzker signs a law…

Deal would put Marlboro owners back together as they struggle with declining smoking rates Source: https://www.wsj.com/ By Jennifer Maloney and…

Source: https://www.dailyherald.com/ Karin Matura 8/20/2019 Costa Rican officials recently confirmed that 19 people have died from drinking tainted alcohol. The…

By Billy Lyons August 17, 2019 Though bars are known for offering refuge to many, their reputation as a house…

Beer still tops wine and liquor as drinkers’ favorite adult beverage Percentage naming liquor rises to 29%, nearly tying wine…

Beer still tops wine and liquor as drinkers’ favorite adult beverage Percentage naming liquor rises to 29%, nearly tying wine…

The appropriateness of unsolicited advice. Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ Aug 04, 2019 We have all seen it: an obviously pregnant woman smoking…

New Overtime Threshold Proposed…The U.S. Labor Department has announced its long-awaited proposed overtime threshold, raising the minimum salary exemption to…

By ABDEL JIMENEZ CHICAGO TRIBUNE | JUL 26, 2019  As Chicago considers five possible locations for a casino, an Indiana gambling facility…

2019 is off to a record breaking start, but new law changes could mean even more profits By Brett Herrmann…

Wisconsin Case By: Nina Totenberg In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Wisconsin law that says motorists…

The way THC operates in the body makes it hard to gauge its impacts, and plenty of drivers think it…

Source: Beer Business Daily July 22, 2019 Both the quick-serve and fine-dining segments posted a 3.1% gain for the past…

By Scot Bertram | The Center Square Jul 20, 2019 An annual survey has revealed information about drunken driving arrests across…

The liquor commission’s chairman and commissioners — six in total — are appointed to six-year terms by the governor, and require…

Source: https://www.riverfronttimes.com/ By Doyle Murphy Jul 10, 2019 Billy Busch, bad boy beer heir and noted middle-school basketball court scrapper,…

Legalization includes an exemption to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act ban on indoor smoking, letting cities decide whether to allow on-site…

Source: NPR NINA TOTENBERG June 29, 2019 In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Wisconsin law that…

Consumers and health advocates are pressing for an update on labels established in 1988 Source: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/ By Mark Huffman 06/27/2019…

Source: ABL JUNE 25, 2019 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce the recent promotion of Matt Evans to…

Source: https://herald-review.com/ June 19, 2019 Illinois law-enforcement officials are “incredibly unprepared” for the potential upswing in impaired driving that could…

Sun, 06/09/2019 – 7:00am | The News-Gazette Photo by: Robin Scholz illustration/The News-Gazette Bartender Chrissy Tucker checks an ID on Thursday, June…

By Jeff Kolkey Staff writer Posted Jun 3, 2019 at 5:56 PMUpdated Jun 4, 2019 at 12:38 PM     Bills would bring casino to city, provide money for future passenger rail…

by: Karina Parada Posted: May 21, 2019 / 02:19 AM CDT / Updated: May 21, 2019 / 02:44 AM CDT Illinois residents could see…

Source: http://irishliquorlawyer.com/ Sean O’Leary May 21, 2019 Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed increasing liquor taxes as a way to pay for…

Source: CSA MARIANNE WILSON May 17, 2019 The movement to require stores and restaurants to accept cash is gaining steam.…

Source: https://www.mdjonline.com/ By Cole Lauterbach May 17, 2019 Drinking in Illinois could soon cost more. Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to…

By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network May 6, 2019 Most full-time workers in Illinois already get paid sick days…

Source: https://www.washingtontimes.com/ By Richard Berman April 29, 2019 ANALYSIS/OPINION: In early January of this year, a drunk driver traveling the…

APRIL 30, 2019 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to recognize May as National Tavern Month.…

Source: https://ceoworld.biz/ Anna Papadopoulos April 25, 2019 Drunk driving is a serious charge that most people find irresponsible and indefensible.…

By Danielle Wallace | Fox News   A Wisconsin DUI case in which police officers ordered the blood of an unconscious man be drawn for…

Source: http://irishliquorlawyer.com/ Sean O’Leary April 8, 2019 There is a theory out there, that is actually backed up by statistics,…

Source: Res Publica April 22, 2019 Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced charges against five Chicago liquor store operators as…

By Cole Lauterbach | Illinois News Network   Video gambling supporters are pushing back against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan to…

By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network Folks across Illinois could be close to being able to get a six-pack…

The effort to legalize recreational marijuana use in Illinois has slowed down considerably as both Republican and Democrat lawmakers believe…

A survey of employers and employees also shows widespread elimination of jobs and cutbacks in hours. Source: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/ By Peter…

Source: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/ By: Kayla Green Apr 15, 2019 A bill to lower the legal blood alcohol content limit to drive…

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/ By Michael Bartiromo April 15, 2019 A few restaurants in Austin, Texas, are the latest to ask diners…

Source: https://www.cnn.com/ By Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Business April 15, 2019 Americans are drinking less beer. Heineken has a plan to…

Source: Berman and Company By Samantha Summers April 14, 2019 A study conducted by Harri polled 173 restaurants about the…

Last year, the restaurant chain rolled out $1 Margaritas across the country-and it turns a profit on every single one.…

Source: Res Publica April 5, 2019 Republic National Distribution Company and Breakthru Beverage Group today jointly announced that the proposed…

Illinois will become the eight state to raise the legal age to 21 to buy or use tobacco products after…

APRIL 3, 2019 – BETHESDA, MD – Independent beverage licensees and their hospitality industry partners came together on March 24-26,…

By Cole Lauterbach | Illinois News Network Mar 26, 2019 Illinois lawmakers are considering a five percent tax on streaming…

Source: CSA AL ROBINSON AND HERA ARSEN March 25, 2019 On March 7, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)…

By Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Mar 25, 2019 Updated Mar 28, 2019 Illinois Retail Merchants Association’s Rob Karr talks about…

Source: https://www.ocregister.com/ By THE EDITORIAL BOARD March 22, 2019 We like to say that the Nanny State isn’t a destination…

Source: Berman and Company By Jackson Shedelbower March 24, 2019 On Thursday, Michigan became the fourth state this year to…

Source: https://www.detroitnews.com/ Keith Laing March 14, 2019 U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell pushed Thursday for Congress to approve legislation that would…

MARCH 26, 2019 – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) recognized Craig Purser, President & CEO of the National…

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ By ELEANOR SHARPLES 21 March 2019 Volvo cars will use cameras and sensors to spot if the motorist…

By Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Mar 18, 2019 Illinois’ governor said small businesses in Illinois should be paying…

By Cole Lauterbach | Illinois News Network llinois is one step closer to becoming the eighth state to raise the…

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/ Jayne O’Donnell, Ken Alltucker and Shari Rudavsk March 7, 2019 In less than 25 years, marijuana has gone…

Source: ABL MARCH 1, 2019 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today the final slate of speakers for the upcoming 2019…

ABL Announces Final Slate of Speakers for Upcoming Annual Meeting MARCH 1, 2019 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is counting on $200 million in licensing fees from legalized sports wagering to help plug a $3.2…

  2000 BILLS PRESENTED 111 AIMED AT ILBA MEMBERS WE ARE ON RED ALERT!   PASSED BILLS SB1  MINIMUM WAGE…

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ Kate Taylor February 15, 2019 Sales of nonalcoholic beer and cocktails are exploding. Millennials and Gen Zers are…

By Brett Rowland and Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Feb 7, 2019 The Illinois Senate approved a bill that…

By Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Feb 7, 2019 Gov. J.B. Pritzker heralded the Senate’s passage of a bill…

Source: Breakthru Beverage Group February 8, 2019 Today, Breakthru Beverage Group announced it has expanded its sales partnership with Sazerac…

As state lawmakers look at increasing the state’s minimum wage, business groups fear other legislation could make it more difficult…

Source: American Beverage Licensees January 16, 2019 The Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of Tennessee Wine…

https://youtu.be/6RH7AcM7UEU

Source: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/ By Peter Romeo Jan. 14, 2019 A U.S. court has upended the new federal standard for determining when…

Appointment complements Kruidenier’s current role as WSDI Vice Executive Director Source: Res Publica January 3, 2019 Wine and Spirits Distributors…

Source: https://www.winebusiness.com/ January 02, 2019 Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“Southern Glazer’s”)- the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol-today announced…

Source: https://www.sltrib.com/ By Courtney Tanner January 2, 2019 Snowbird Resort . Michael Donoghue has vacationed in Utah to ski and…

Source: https://kpic.com/ December 28th 2018 A new proposal looks to drop Oregon’s legal blood alcohol limit for drivers statewide. Half…

DECEMBER 20, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today the initial slate of speakers for the…

Source: https://www.webmd.com/ By Dennis Thompson December 17th Vaping among American teenagers increased dramatically in 2018, with nearly two of every…

Source: ABL DECEMBER 13, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL), is pleased to announce that Kevin Cooke, Chief Global Sales Officer…

Elgin Beverage negotiated a $325,000 fine with federal regulators who say the Bartlett firm improperly paid retailers, seeking preferred placement…

Source: Sky Ranch Foundation December 3, 2018 As Sky Ranch Foundation enters our 59th year we thank the Beverage Alcohol…

Source: http://www.stnonline.com/ November 29, 2018 New research has found that traffic crashes have jumped in states that have approved recreational…

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/ December 3, 2018 Regarding USA TODAY’s article “Fixes for the U.S. drinking problem are hard to sell”: Federal…

Lawyers and event planners share tips for reducing the risk of alcohol-related accidents and limiting liability Source: https://daily.sevenfifty.com/ Melanie Young…

All eyes will turn to the Supreme Court in January Interstate retail could become a little easier after a landmark…

By The Editorial Board / Rockford Register Star Posted Nov 27, 2018 at 5:11 PMUpdated Nov 27, 2018 at 5:11 PM    Wanna bet? The numbers show that there are…

By BOB OKONEmailFollow Dec. 2, 2018 Caption Joliet for the second time in two years is taking action to try to…

Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker this week announced his Job Creation and Economic Opportunity Committee, which features members of the labor and…

Source: Law360 By Dave Simpson November 29, 2018 The Seventh Circuit on Wednesday revived a wine store owner’s suit claiming…

By Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Nov 26, 2018 Jonathan Weiss | Shutterstock.com The Senate was able to get…

By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network Nov 26, 2018 Andrea Delbo | Shutterstock.com Video poker machines are more prevalent…

Source: http://alcohollawreview.com/ November 21, 2018 Petitioner side briefing is complete in support of the Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers (Tennessee…

By Jake Griffin November 13, 2018 6:15 am The addition of video gambling in Illinois is now the equivalent of having…

Source: https://www.npr.org/ November 15, 2018 The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it will seek a ban on the…

Source: TTB November 16, 2018 For briefing offers in compromise of liabilities and/or violations incurred under sections 4181 and 4182…

Full meals used to be on the menu at La Cabana Mexican Restaurant in Melrose Park, but now the small…

The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday rescinded prior guidance known as the “80/20 rule” that has long prohibited employers…

Source: https://csnews.com/ By Melissa Kress 11/06/2018 There are countless studies examining the shopping behavior of younger generations and the effect…

Source: Cowen November 1, 2018 THE COWEN INSIGHT Earlier today, FDA Commissioner Gottlieb announced that the agency is “committed to…

Local police share their thoughts Source: https://www.weatherforddemocrat.com/ By John Austin Oct 31, 2018 Texas is tough on drinking and driving,…

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/ Hristina Byrnes, 24/7 Wall Street Oct. 31, 2018 People in the United States are drinking more, and some…

Source: https://www.cnn.com/ By Jen Christensen, CNN October 18, 2018 The National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday that the probable cause…

Retail Beverage Licensees Will Explore “The Challenge of Change” in Las Vegas on March 24-26 Source: American Beverage Licensees OCTOBER…

Source: https://www.forbes.com/ Liza B. Zimmerman October 11, 2018 For the first time in more than a decade, the U.S. government…

Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ by Kimberly Leonard October 05, 2018 The confirmation battle over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has sparked a…

Source: https://buglenewspapers.com/ October 3, 2018 Amid angry voices and calls for trustees to resign, a controversial plan to add a…

A look at the technologies distributors are using to consolidate operations, streamline deliveries, and increase ROI Source: https://daily.sevenfifty.com/ Andrew Kaplan…

https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/Pages/Home.aspx     https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/Pages/Home.aspx    

“Michigan departed from a hermetically-sealed three-tier system when it chose to permit its wine retailers to join the digital marketplace…

This Spring, ABL returns to the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting in Las Vegas,…

Source: CSA BY DEENA M. AMATO-MCCOY September 18, 2018 It is the largest-ever class-action settlement of a U.S. antitrust case.…

Mike DanaheyThe Courier-News Restrictions that prevent bars, liquor stores or restaurants that serve alcohol from opening near churches, schools or…

Source: Beer Business Daily September 7, 2018 Yesterday we reported that the TTB issued a statement claiming Illinois’ Skokie Valley…

Riverside Chief Thomas Weitzel said this is the first such wrong-way driving DUI legislation in the nation. By Andrea Earnest, Patch Staff | Aug…

Source: SKY RANCH FOUNDATION September 2018 Sky Ranch Foundation, now in our 58th year, continues to support our nation’s at-risk…

Source: TTB September 5, 2018 On August 29, 2018, TTB informed Skokie Valley Beverage Company, a Wheeling, Illinois, alcohol beverage…

In Illinois, the push for a Rockford casino continues as the mayor and local state representatives of the Land of Lincoln travel to…

Mike RiopellChicago Tribune Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday vetoed legislation that would have banned the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products…

Friendships protect us against outside threats and internal stresses For humans this is where shared bottle of red wine plays…

Source: https://abc7chicago.com/ By Eric Horng August 21, 2018 In southwest suburban Plainfield, residents at a packed village hall meeting Tuesday…

Source: https://www.washingtontimes.com/ By Rick Berman August 20, 2018 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently launched their “Drive high,…

Following the signing of a law allowing Illinois breweries to immediately begin selling beer and cider from outside beer companies…

Source: http://thehill.com/ BY DAWSON HOBBS 8/12/18 Jet fuel, embalming fluid, methanol, battery acid and antifreeze. This isn’t a roster of…

A bill signed into law last weekend by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner will allow the state’s breweries to purchase and…

Source: NPR ERIC WESTERVELT August 4, 2018 As legalization of recreational and medical marijuana continues to expand, police across the…

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ Greg Trotter August 2, 2018 After more than 70 years of business, Wheeling-based Skokie Valley Beverage Co. is…

Gov. Bruce Rauner and state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, talk about putting liquor control back in the hands of local government…

Source: https://innotechtoday.com/ By Jordan French AUGUST 1ST, 2018 Have you ever considered how much waste your average bar service generates?…

Sport betting at Caesar Palace in Las Vegas Kobby Dagan | Shutterstock.com A state lawmaker pushing for more gambling to…

Source: https://news.gallup.com/ by Frank Newport July 31st 16% say drinking in moderation is good for health; 28% bad 55% say…

Source: NCSLA July 27, 2018 The National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, Incorporated (NCSLA) is pleased to announce the 2018…

Source: https://www.nwitimes.com/ Sarah Reese Jul 22, 2018 Authorities released few details Friday after raiding a liquor store on U.S. 41.…

Source: https://abc7chicago-com Chuck Goudie and Barb Markoff and Ross Weidner July 20, 2018 U.S. Secret Service agents backed up by…

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ July 20th Let the love begin: The 11th annual Chicago Blackhawks Convention starts July 27. Characterized to me…

Source: http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/ By Peter Romeo Jul. 10, 2018 The litigation arm of the National Restaurant Association has sued the U.S.…

Source: Beer Business Daily July 9, 2018 Skokie Valley Beverage, a wine/spirits/specialty beer house servicing the North/Northwest part of Chicagoland,…

  A bill signed into law last weekend by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner will allow the state’s breweries to purchase…

Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ by Kimberly Leonard June 28, 2018 California cities and counties are banned from taxing sodas and other sugary…

Naperville residents can have beer, wine and hard liquor delivered to their door without restriction, a service that might need to…

Source: The Telegraph Maria Lally 20 JUNE 2018 Arriving neatly in time for the start of the World Cup, Ascot…

Source: sun-sentinel.com Riley Griffin June 19, 2018 U.S. millennials are quick to whip out their wallets for pricey avocado toast…

Responsibility.org and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) have teamed up for the 3rd year in a row to fight…

Source: https://www.news-medical.net/ June 18, 2018 For at least 20 years, research has shown that for many people, moderate consumption of…

MillerCoors currently brews all of Pabst Brewing’s legacy beers, including Pabst Blue Ribbon. The contract for that brewing agreement expires…

The measure would relax statewide restrictions on liquor licensure and encourage local control. Members of the Illinois General Assembly voted…

Brewers make push to sell directly to customers amid slowing sales growth Source: WSJ By Saabira Chaudhuri June 2, 2018…

Source: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/ Joe Barnas JUNE 4, 2018 The measure would relax statewide restrictions on liquor licensure and encourage local control.…

A massive gambling expansion bill stalled in a House committee Monday further clouding chances the bill can win approval before…

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 Source: Forbes Greg Gardner May 31, 2018 Marijuana, opioids and non-alcoholic…

Legislation allowing a major expansion of gambling in Illinois failed on Monday. It’s something lawmakers have been working on for…

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 Illinois State Capitol building. File/The State Journal-Register By Doug Finke State…

BETHESDA, MD – MAY 23, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it is returning to Las Vegas,…

Teamsters Endorse Strong Contract, Secure Greatly Improved Benefits Posted on May 21, 2018 in Local News BOLINGBROOK, IL | The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining…

  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   Can a Special Use Retailer return unused, untapped beer after an event?   There are…

Serves 60 counties across central and southern Illinois Graham Milldrum Daily News May 13, 2018 Dean Kremer, chief financial officer…

New Jersey wins right to legalize single-game sports wagering Legalized sports gambling could begin in a matter of weeks By…

Good, bad or a litigation nightmare waiting to happen? Jim Coleman | Apr 24, 2018 Buried deep within the 2,000-plus pages of…

The House has unanimously passed the Music Modernization Act, a compromise bill that creates a framework for better compensating artists for…

Source: ABL MAY 4, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) welcomes the recently-formed United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas (UBRA) as the…

On Tax Day, American Beverage Licensees Highlights Economic Impact of Beverage Retailers   APRIL 17, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD –…

Robert McCoppinContact ReporterChicago Tribune Police in McHenry County will be out for blood with drivers who refuse to take breath tests for…

April 12, 2018 BETHESDA, MD – The passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) (H.R. 5447) by the House Judiciary…

Source: http://www.nwitimes.com/ Joseph S. Pete Apr 3, 2018   Illinois revoked the liquor license of a south suburban nightclub and…

Chris Furnari Apr. 4, 2018 at 4:36 PM In an effort to capture a growing contingent of consumers who are…

Some Texas officials are calling for for new legislation or permitting requirements for “digital-based companies” to head off what some…

Illinois News Network Mar 25, 2018 steve52 | Shutterstock.com As automakers and technology companies work to develop self-driving vehicles, the…

By Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network Mar 20, 2018 Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob KarrGreg Bishop…

Source: Law360 By Joyce Hanson March 14, 2018   A truck driver who became completely disabled and whose wife died…

But that could change! Source: Public Action Management Pam Erickson March 13th With Spring Break on the horizon it seems…

Bar owners, who own and operate video gaming machines are reeling after the City Council confirmed plans to raise video gaming…

Source: Delaware 105.9 FM By Rob Petree March 5, 2018 The American Beverage Institute (ABI) is vehemently opposed to legislation…

Source: Wine & Spirits Daily March 5th More consumers are consistently ordering beverage alcohol when they go out to eat.…

By Scot Bertram | Illinois News Network Mar 2, 2018l   The casino industry is disputing a new study that…

By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network   Advocates for Illinois’ shop owners are worried that a proposal to hike…

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…

Editorial Board When it comes to easing restrictions on cannabis, Illinois has not been a pioneer. Medical marijuana was legal…

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,…

By Benjamin Yount | Illinois News Network The push to raise Illinois’ smoking age could put lawmakers and parents in…

Source: ABL January 26, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced additional speakers for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting, to be…

In some spots, that’s not likely to change soon, officials say By Dave Taylor Tribune-Star Jan 26, 2018 It looks…

  by Jacqueline Francis Wednesday, January 24th 2018 A new liquor code could mean new bars, fewer restrictions and even…

• By Scot Bertram | Illinois News Network One state lawmaker says now is the time for Illinois to push…

  Source: Law360 By Hannah Meisel January 19, 2018 The Illinois Supreme Court found Friday that the state’s anti-hazing statute…

  Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/ Dana Branham, Breaking news reporter January 19th Mothers Against Drunk Driving largely supports recommendations from a group…

  Source: ABL January 17, 2018 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding the…

Source: Fox News By JOAN LOWY | Associated Press January 17th A prestigious scientific panel is recommending that states significantly…

By WIFR Newsroom | Posted: Tue 7:49 PM, Jan 09, 2018 Updated: Tue 10:43 PM, Jan 09, 2018 ROCKFORD, Ill.…

Source: Law360 By Joyce Hanson January 11, 2018 More than half of earnings for waiters and bartenders come from tips,…

Source: Wine & Spirits Daily January 10, 2018 The state of Illinois and an Indiana retailer will soon get another…

  Source: Chicago Tribune Josh Noel January 10, 2018 As you might expect, Lyft has reams of data about its…

• Illinois News Network • Jan 7, 2018 Anne Kitzman | Shutterstock Law enforcement officers investigating DUI cases need a…

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation that substantially reduces startup, annual filing and other fees for limited liability companies (LLCs), the…

BETHESDA, MD – January 17, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding…

By JOAN LOWY | Associated Press WASHINGTON – A prestigious scientific panel is recommending that states significantly lower their drunken…

Crain’s reporting and recent editorial on Illinois retailers shipping alcohol out of state missed key facts. It created the false…

Authorities said the owners of Columbia Liquors concocted an elaborate scheme to skip paying taxes on alcohol purchased for their…

Source: http://www.nwitimes.com/ Joseph S. Pete Dec 20, 2017 Though bootlegging is most commonly associated with Prohibition, bathtub gin and gangsters…

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation that substantially reduces startup, annual filing and other fees for limited liability companies (LLCs),…

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 Will Address Beverage Alcohol Retailers on…

Source: VinePair Adam Teeter November 23, 2017 During the holidays many of us will journey to far-flung hometowns to share…

Source: Crain’s By CRAIN’S EDITORIAL BOARD November 23rd Say you live on the North Shore and frequent Pantheon Wine Shoppe,…

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 8th Annual Celebration Recognizes the Role Independent Off-Premise Retailers Have in Job Creation,…