– ILLINOIS: Proposal could move country coolers and hard lemonades to alcohol section in stores

WAND: “You may go to the grocery store or a gas station to buy Smirnoff Ice and Mike’s Hard Lemonade for a party or holiday weekend. An Illinois House Democrat is trying to prevent young people from purchasing “alcopop,” or fruit flavored malt drinks containing 4-6% alcohol. Rep. Curtis Tarver II (D-Chicago) said Wednesday that the state should separate soda from liquor that looks like soda. His proposal could prohibit retailers from displaying alcopop drinks next to soft drinks, juice, bottled water, or snacks catered to young customers. Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) said this could also be helpful for adults who don’t realize what they’re buying or drinking because they think it is carbonated water.”