SPRINGFIELD – Building on efforts to support the hospitality industry through the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 2682, a bipartisan piece of legislation, which allows the sale of cocktails by bars and restaurants with liquor licenses for pickup and delivery.

“Restaurants and bars are beloved businesses in so many of our communities and also some of the hardest hit from the COVD-19 pandemic,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This legislation will provide these businesses with a critical tool to bring in additional income until they can safely and fully reopen their doors once more. As we move forward, I am fully committed to taking every action available to us and pursuing all resources at the state and federal level to support this critical industry.”

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

“COVID-19 has devastated our independent restaurants and bars who patiently and cooperatively closed since the outset of the pandemic back in March,” said Illinois State Sen. Feigenholtz. “Illinois joins 34 other states in enacting this policy. This new law provides restaurants and bar owners with a survival tool as they wait to open safely and to their full capacity.”

“Cocktails to go is a small but important initiative designed to help our hospitality industry get back on its feet after COVID-19,” said Illinois State Rep. Zalewski. “I’m excited about its prospects to drive customers back to bars and restaurants and thank Governor Pritzker for his support.”

Cocktails can only be delivered in a sealed, labeled container with a tamper-evident cap or seal by an employee of the liquor license holder who is over the age of 21 and trained in responsible alcohol service. Cocktails may not be delivered via a third party delivery app. Cocktails can only be delivered after an employee verifies the age as well as the level of intoxication of the consumer.

Article continues after sponsor message

The legislation also delays late fees and license fees for liquor licenses for businesses and establishes automatic liquor license renewal approval and extension for any license holder whose business or operations have been suspended in any capacity due as a result of COVID-19.

The late filing fee waiver applies for 6 months and the license extensions lasts for 120 days, after the latter of:

the day the region moves to Phase 4, or

the day after the expiration of the latest EO that limits or interrupts business, or

the day after the expiration of any rules from DPH or other agencies.

House Bill 2682 takes effect immediately.

More like this:

Oct 23, 2023 - ILCC is Launching Online Applications for New 1A Retailer Licenses and Appointments Only

Dec 28, 2023 - E-Cigarette Use in Indoor Public Places to Be Banned in Illinois, Starting January 1, 2024

Feb 27, 2024 - Giannoulias Advocates to Make Digital Driver’s Licenses & IDs Available in Illinois Bill Would Allow Illinoisans to Securely Store License/ID Informat

Jan 11, 2024 - Alton Approves Liquor License For “The Bells And Whistles On Belle Street,” Other Items

6 days ago - Pritzker Administration Provides Nearly $300 Million In Emergency Mortgage Assistance