Beer Fests In Illinois: Unlimited Drinks Or Not?

Beer fests in Illinois cannot serve unlimited drinks. According to the Illinois Liquor Control and Alcoholic Beverage Information, it is prohibited to serve two or more drinks at one time to one person, or to sell, offer, or serve an unlimited number of drinks of alcoholic liquor during any set period of time for a fixed price. Drink limits are required unless the drinks are part of a meal package, party package, or private function.

Meal packages

In Illinois, it is prohibited to serve an unlimited number of alcoholic drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price. However, there is an exception for meal packages.

A "meal package" is defined as a food and beverage package, which may or may not include entertainment. Alcoholic drinks are served as an accompaniment to the food. Meal packages can be offered by licensees operating within a sports facility, restaurant, winery, brewery, or distillery.

There is no limit to the number of drinks included with a meal package. Any food, including snacks and "finger food," available on the licensed premises can be included in the package, as long as the food and drinks are sold as a package for a fixed price.

Businesses can advertise meal packages permitted under the Liquor Control Act.

Party packages

There are many beer festivals held in Illinois, with most taking place in Chicago. These festivals offer a range of experiences, from sampling craft beers to enjoying live music and games. While unlimited drinks may not be explicitly mentioned in the festival descriptions, some festivals do offer all-inclusive packages or unlimited tastings. Here is a list of some popular beer festivals in Illinois and their party package offerings:

• Illinois Craft Beer Week: This annual celebration features tap takeovers, rare beer tastings, food and beer pairings, and other special events. The main event, Beer Under Glass, is a tasting festival held at a unique Chicago location. This festival may offer unlimited tastings as part of its party package.
• Craft Brews at the Zoo: This unique event is held at the Lincoln Park Zoo, where participants can sample specialty brews from local and regional breweries. It includes food, DJs, lawn games, and after-hours animal viewings. A party package for this festival may include unlimited drinks within a specified time frame.
• Craft Beer Festival at The Morton Arboretum: Enjoy craft beers, live music, and serene surroundings at this outdoor festival. Dozens of local producers offer beer tastings, and attendees can bring their own chairs or blankets to relax on the grass. A party package could include unlimited tastings and exclusive souvenirs.
• Oktoberfest Chicago: This annual celebration of German culture includes traditional drinks, food, and music. It is held in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, with some events taking place inside and outside St. Alphonsus Church. A party package for this festival may offer unlimited drinks or special steins with refills.
• Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB): FoBAB is the country's largest celebration of wood and barrel-aged beers. It features over 160 breweries pouring their rarest brews. A party package for this exclusive festival may include unlimited tastings and early access to the event.
• BrewLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: Explore the zoo with a craft brew in hand and enjoy the illuminated grounds with over 2.5 million lights. This festival offers local craft, seasonal, and imported beers at stations throughout the zoo. A party package could include unlimited drinks and special animal encounters.

While these festivals offer various party packages, it is important to note that responsible drinking is a priority. Attendees are encouraged to drink in moderation and utilize designated driver programs or alternative transportation options. The availability of unlimited drinks may vary, and it is always important to check the specific inclusions and restrictions of each festival's party package.

Private functions

However, there are still some regulations that must be followed. Firstly, drinks can be discounted for up to 4 hours per day, but not more than 15 hours per week. Notice of the promotion must be posted on-site or on the event website at least seven days before it begins. Drink promotions cannot take place between 10 pm and the closing of the establishment, and the price of a specific drink cannot change during the promotion period.

Additionally, it is important to note that Illinois has strict liquor laws and regulations that must be followed. These include the requirement for a liquor license, compliance with payment regulations, sanitation standards, and restrictions on inducements and accepting things of value. Proper training and certification of staff are also crucial to ensure responsible alcohol service.

Happy hour laws

Illinois' Happy Hour Law, Public Act 99-0046, came into effect on July 15, 2015, amending The Liquor Control Act of 1934. The Act outlines the requirements that establishments must meet to implement a happy hour period.

Firstly, establishments must give notice of discounted drinks 7 days prior to the promotion period, either by advertising on the premises or on their website. The law also limits happy hour to a maximum of 15 hours per week and 4 hours per day, with the specified drink promotional period not needing to be consecutive. Happy hour specials cannot be scheduled after 10:00 pm, and once the promotion period has started, the price of drinks cannot be changed.

While establishments are prohibited from offering unlimited drinks during happy hour promotions, they can offer unlimited drinks as part of a meal package, party package, or private function. A "meal package" combines food and drinks for a fixed price and can include entertainment. A "party package" is a dedicated event space for a specific social or business occasion, with a limit of 3 hours. Private functions such as weddings and fundraising events are not subject to a time limit.

Other restrictions include serving two or more drinks to one customer at one time and increasing the price of a drink proportionately to an increase in volume. Drinking games or contests are not permitted on the licensed premises.

Drink limits

However, there is no limit to the number of drinks included with a meal or party package. A "meal package" refers to a food and beverage package, which may include entertainment, where the service of alcohol is an accompaniment to the food. A "party package" refers to a private event for a specific social or business occasion, which is not open to the public, and where attendees are served both food and alcohol for a fixed price in a dedicated event space.

Additionally, bars and restaurants in Illinois are allowed to offer happy hour specials by temporarily reducing the price of drinks. These promotions can last up to 4 hours per day and no more than 15 hours per week. Licensees must give notice of the discount on their premises or website 7 days before the specified drink promotion period.

Frequently asked questions