The Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) continues to fight for our industry.
Legislative Lobby Day, On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the ILBA had a very successful Legislative Lobby Day. Many ILBA members from across Illinois came to Springfield to support our industry. Throughout the day ILBA members held meetings in the Capitol with State Representatives, State Senators, and other Elected Officials to discuss hospitality issues. The day concluded with a food, beverage, and entertainment reception co-sponsored with the Illinois Gaming Machine Operators Association (IGMOA). At the Legislative Reception, ILBA members had the opportunity to speak with elected officials in a relaxed setting.
The ILBA is currently working to defeat several harmful legislative proposals. Specifically: HB2239/SB1656 which introduces Internet Gaming in Illinois and SB85 which introduces a beverage container refund program. We are hopeful that both of these proposals will be defeated this legislative session.
Our ILBA State Office has received inquiries regarding, SB0058 – Degradable Plastic Act – Single Use, to clarify: this amends the Degradable Plastic Act. Provides that, on or before July 1, 2025, each State agency shall establish and implement a plan to reduce the quantity of single-use plastics used or purchased by that State agency by 50% on or before 2031 and by 75% on or before 2036. This currently does not apply to businesses.
Illinois Liquor Control – Advertising – The 3 Don’ts for Licensees:
- False Advertising 2. Bait & Switch Advertising 3. Advertising products you don’t carry.
The ILCC has noticed an uptick in misleading advertising by licensees. Administrative Rule 100.50(b)(4) states as follows: “Such advertisements shall not contain any material which is false or untrue in any respect.” This rule prohibits any licensee from posting or displaying any advertising which is false or untrue. This rule is rather expansive, however, the ILCC has seen some offenses in the marketplace which are obvious and egregious. For example, the ILCC discovered a brewer marketing its beer as a cure for COVID-19. This is obviously untrue. Advertising products which are not available in the store is also not acceptable. One of the most common violations is bait and switch advertising. For example, a licensee may have a sign in the window or on the shelf which indicates the price, but the price is recorded on the point-of-sale system as a different amount. This is prohibited advertising. Although, at times, the price of the product may be decreased due to a promotional period discount. Once the promotional discount period ends, the register system will automatically revert to the pre-promotion price and all promotional signage needs to be removed before the price reverts to the pre-promotion price.
Happy Hour – refresher on the rules:
Please refresh yourself on “Happy Hour” rules. We have recently learned about licensees that were fined. Below is a link for the FAQ of Happy Hour. Pay specific attention to #12 – How can alcoholic drinks be sold and served to a customer (the number of ounces poured determines the price).
https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/about/Pages/HappyHoursFAQs.aspx
ILBA Dates to Remember:
ABL Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO – June 9 – 10, 2023
ILBA State Golf Outing in Auburn, IL – August 7, 2023
137th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Rock Island/Moline, IL – September 10 – 12, 2023
Welcome New ILBA Members:
Recently the following businesses have joined the ILBA:
The Topper, Watseka Sonny’s Main Street Bar, Brighton
Von Bergen’s Country Market, Hebron Swanny’s, Colona
Barnyard Tap, Martinton Mr. BBQ’s #2, Columbia
Indian Creek Farmstead, Petersburg Moe’s on Main, Marshall
Great House of Pizza, Casey Axetreme Throwing, Oglesby
Knotty Luxe Jazz Bistro, Chicago Cooper, Gilbreth & Doyle, Red Bud
Atmosphere Bar, Chicago Beef O’Brady’s, Bourbonnais
R & D Gaming, Smithton Metzger-Crook VFW #6504, Waterloo
Knights of Columbus #4175, Springfield A1 Liquors, Effingham
The Hut, Lebanon Northwest Recreation Club, Joliet
O-9er’s Pub, Streator Rookies, West Dundee
Fanatic’s Sports Bar, Belleville
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel D. Clausner
Executive Director