Illinois Senate committee considers distiller, alcohol storage legislation

Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation to support the craft distillery industry, but several lobbying groups are against it.

State Senator Celina Villanueva said at a Liquor Control Committee hearing Tuesday that Senate Bill 1618 would enable direct-to-consumer shipping and modernize outdated regulations that put Illinois distillers at a disadvantage.

Carrie Cole, owner of Take Flight Spirits in Skokie, urged lawmakers to support the bill.

Illinois Retail Merchants Association Vice President Alec Laird spoke in opposition to the direct-to-consumer part of the measure.

Lobbyist Heather Wier Vaught also spoke in opposition to SB 1618. Wier Vaught previously served as chief counsel to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Story from Illinois Radio Network