Congress Passes $25B for Bar/Restaurant Relief in American Rescue Plan. The Legislation now goes to President Biden for his signature. President Biden is expected to sign the bill on Friday. This Legislation does not include the elimination of Tip Credits or a Federal $15.00 per hour minimum wage.
General Assembly Bill Tracking:
The ILBA is currently tracking 159 of the numerous bills that have been introduced to the 102nd General Assembly. Some of the proposed bills are favorable to our industry while many proposed bills are unfavorable.
Coalition to Fight Alcohol Tax Increases:
The ILBA is a working member of an alcohol beverage industry coalition attempting to thwart any Illinois adult beverage tax increases in 2021. We, along with the coalition members, have paid for a campaign PR consulting firm that has adopted the “Raise Glasses Not Taxes” motto. The campaign intends to put a personal point-of-view to the challenges our industry has faced.
Liquor License Renewals:
All licenses with a renewal date of March 31, 2020 or after are automatically extended to June 30, 2021 (This action supersedes the Commission’s prior license extension action through March 31, 2021). https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/SiteAssets/Pages/Home/RenewalExtension.pdf
BMI Music Licensing Relief:
BMI wants to ensure that licensing fees are accurate, and they have few options available for relief. BMI is aware that many businesses have been forced to close for a period of time and/or are currently not able to have certain types of musical entertainment. Please go to the BMI COVID-19 page (https://www.bmi.com/licensing/covid). Once you complete the online form, a BMI customer service representative will get back with you to discuss their account.
Congratulations to CILBA Springfield Chapter 43 Member – Mick Wanless – Westwoods Lodge for being voted in the Springfield Business Journal as the best small business to work for in Springfield, Illinois.
Welcome New ILBA Members: Recently the following businesses have joined the ILBA.
Triangle Inn – new owners, Silvis Hollars Bar & Grill, Moline
The Railhouse, Silvis Les & Molly’s, Moline
Riley’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, Cordova Jazzy 159, Fairview Heights
Fairview Inn, Fairview Heights Faye Inn Bar & Grill, Fayetteville
Assoc. Members Dean & Renee Urspruch, Sparta 139 Bar, Paris
JB’s Woodshed, Monmouth True Colors, Rockford
Applebee’s, Breese
Daniel D. Clausner, Executive Director