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According to the Illinois Craft Distillers Association, while 47
states allow for the direct shipment of wine directly from
winemakers to consumers, only 11 states currently allow
distillers to ship their products directly to consumers and
Illinois is not one of them.
“The laws we operate under today limit our ability to serve our
customers, limit our access to seamlessly work with our retail
partners, prohibit our ability to ship to our out-of-state
customers, and in general, stifle our growth and subsequent
investment in our communities,” Nick Negele, co-owner of Whiskey
Acres Distilling in DeKalb, said during a news conference
Wednesday in Springfield.
The global craft spirits market is expected to explode in the
coming years. Experts predict the industry will be worth nearly
$280 billion by 2033, with whiskey capturing more than 44% of
the market. According to the ICDA, from 2005 to 2020, wholesale
jobs in Illinois in the industry have grown by more than 50%.
State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, has introduced House Bill
3694 that would amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934 and loosen
the laws for distribution.
“We want to support our small businesses,” said Olickal. “We
want to help an industry flourish, and right now there are just
too many barriers in place for a small craft distillery and with
this bill, what we are essentially doing is clearing up some of
those barriers.”
The ICDA notes on its website that there are well established
and appropriate responsibility measures in place that prevent
minors from illegally accessing alcohol. Just as IDs are
required for any alcohol purchase, ID checks are required in
order for the recipient to accept an alcohol delivery and an
adult signature is required.
According to a poll by the Distilled Spirits Council of the
U.S., 80% of respondents agree that distillers should be allowed
to direct ship in any state. |
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