The @ILLiquorControl wants you to know Illinois alcohol sales are DEFINITELY NOT barred, banned or terminated… except cocktails to go… that was never o.k.

The lack of coherent information combined with social media rumor mills led the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to issue a stern rebuke regarding the greatly exaggerated claims that alcohol sales were banned, being banned, partially banned, etc., today. The misinformation sparked the following rebuke:

ILCC - Notice Liquor Sales Continue

ILCC – Notice Alcohol Sales Continue

Additionally, to clear up some misconceptions about what bars and restaurants can sell to go, the ILCC also put out a bulletin regarding pre-mixed drinks or cocktails. In short, it is not OK to sell pre-mixed cocktails “to go” or for delivery. That’s pre-mixed drinks in non-original containers for off-premises consumption. The guidance notes that growlers and crowlers under 235 ILCS 5/6-6.5 are the exception to Illinois’s general ban on retailers selling containers with alcoholic liquor not in its original packaging, and also cites to sanitation and health concerns. It also makes clear that the ILCC believes this is a state law that would preempt a different policy or statute at the local level which may seemingly authorize such sales.

Perhaps we’ve got a new item for bars and restaurants to lobby for.

Ashley Brandt

Hi there! I’m happy you’re here. My name is Ashley Brandt and I’m an attorney in Chicago representing clients in the Food and Beverage, Advertising, Media, and Real Estate industries. A while back I kept getting calls and questions from industry professionals and attorneys looking for advice and information on a fun and unique area of law that I’m lucky enough to practice in. These calls represented a serious lack of, and need for, some answers, news, and information on the legal aspects of marketing and media. I've got this deep seeded belief that information should be readily available and that the greatest benefit from the information age is open access to knowledge... so ... this blog seemed like the best way to accomplish that. I enjoy being an attorney and it’s given me some amazing opportunities, wonderful experiences, and an appreciation and love for this work. I live in Chicago and work at an exceptional law firm, Goldstein & McClintock, with some truly brilliant people. Feel free to contact me at any time with any issues, comments, concerns… frankly, after reading this far, I hope you take the time to at least let me know what you think about the blog and how I can make it a better resource.

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