Chicago will have to move on the new law once Pritzker signs it.
Since the beginning of the stay-at-home order, bars and restaurants have been struggling to stay afloat. While the state passed a law that would permit the sale and delivery of packaged goods like beer, cocktails were still prohibited. In an announcement made today, Gov. JB Pritzker said that he would sign a law that would legalize the sale of pre-mixed cocktails “as soon as it comes to my desk.”
Not long ago, many business owners pleaded the government to put a new law into action. The original law was called the Liquor Control Act of 1934 and has been criticized by many as outdated. In light of the financial crises caused by the pandemic, business owners began a petition to allow them to sell pre-mixed cocktails as a much-needed source of revenue.
As mentioned, the state passed a ruling that would allow for the sale and delivery of beer, as well as cocktail kits which included the necessary ingredients for people to make their drinks at home. But to weather the storm of this pandemic, in at least until they can reopen in full service, the lost revenue from the inability to sale premixed cocktails was simply not enough for most businesses.
Months later — last weekend — the Illinois House and Senate ruled in favor of passing a new law that would allow for the sale and delivery of pre-mixed cocktails in an effort to help struggling bars and restaurants.
The new bill does come with some restrictions. Including that third-party delivery companies would not be allowed to delivery the beverages, in which case the deliveries would have to be carried out by the bars and restaurants themselves. The cocktails also must come in sealed, tamper-proof containers. IDs will also be required upon delivery.
Very importantly, the bill would also give local municipalities the right not to permit the sale and delivery of premixed cocktails. Therefore, after Pritzker signs the bill into law, the decision to carry out in Chicago would rely upon the decision of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
The law would remain in effect for a year after its passing.
[Featured image: @kaizennguyen via Unsplash]