Cocktails-To-Go Bill Passes in Illinois!

The Illinois Legislature passed a bill that would allow the sale of cocktails-to-go, it awaits the governor’s signature to become law. I have been heavily involved in advocating for and drafting this legislation, if you have any questions please contact me at (312) 535-8380 or sean.oleary@olearylpgroup.com.

Here are the particulars of the bill and the link.

Container

The bill would allow cocktails-to-go (delivery and carryout of mixed drinks) in a sealed container that is filled at a retail licensee’s location by one of its employees.

The sealed container must be a rigid container with a secured lid and is tamper-evident. And does not include a container with a lid with sipping holes or openings for straws.

Selling and Delivery

Here are the requirements for selling the cocktails.

The cocktail can be sold by carryout, curbside pickup, or delivery.

It can only be transferred by an employee of the retailer who is BASSET trained and is at least 21 years of age.

The delivery driver must age verify the recipient of the alcohol, if there is no age verification, the product needs to be returned to the retailer.

Transporting

The product must be placed in an area inaccessible to the driver.

The product, in a properly sealed container, needs to be placed in the trunk. If there is no trunk, then in the rear compartment of the vehicle where the driver cannot easily reach the product.

Labeling

The sealed container needs to include a label that shows the ingredients, name, license number and address of the licensee, serving size, and that it was filled less than 7 days before the sale.

3rd Party Delivery Service

3rd Party Delivery services are prohibited under this legislation.

Sunset Date

The bill has a sunset date of one year after the effective date of passing

Food Requirement

There is no food requirement!

Other unrelated issues

Delinquency list is suspended until 30 days after the date on which the region in which the retail licensee is located enters Phase 4 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan