Old Style Beer: Which Illinois Liquor Stores Stock It?

Illinois is an open state, meaning private entities handle the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Each town, city, or village makes its own rules and issues liquor licenses. There are no state-operated stores or state-set prices. While liquor laws vary by state, county, city, and municipality, the general rule is that the strictest regulation prevails. Local laws may be stricter than state laws but not more lenient. Illinois is one of the few states that allow the sale of alcohol, including spirits, in grocery stores, and liquor can be purchased any time, any day, and almost anywhere, with a license.

Liquor stores in Illinois are not run by the state

The ILCC oversees all tiers of the alcohol industry, including manufacturers (breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, meaderies, and rectifiers), wholesalers or distributors, and retailers (on-premise and off-premise). All businesses that deal with manufacturing, distributing, selling, or importing alcohol in Illinois must be licensed.

In Illinois, all alcoholic goods must pass through a wholesaler's warehouse before reaching a retailer or consumer. As of 2022, there were over 130 licensed distillers and bottlers, more than 300 active breweries, and 165 wineries in the state.

The process of obtaining a liquor license in Illinois can vary depending on the local regulations of the town, city, or village. While the state does not impose any price controls, local laws can influence the hours during which alcohol can be sold and the types of businesses that can obtain a liquor license.

Illinois is known for its thriving craft beer scene, innovative distilleries, and award-winning wineries. The state's local craft beer and spirits showcase Midwestern ingenuity, often utilizing regionally-sourced grains and ingredients.

Binnys is a popular liquor store chain in Illinois

Binnys has become a well-known name in Illinois, with a reputation for its extensive range of alcoholic beverages. The store prides itself on offering the "widest selection around" and has a strong presence in Chicago, with eight locations in the city itself and thirty-three in the surrounding area.

The chain has a unique history, starting out as Gold Standard Liquors at Clark and Sheffield, just a block south of Wrigley Field. Over the years, it has expanded across Illinois, with stores in major cities like Champaign, Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, and Rockford. Binnys has become a go-to destination for those seeking a vast array of alcoholic beverages, including craft beer enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of Binnys is its impressive beer selection. While it offers well-known name brands, it also showcases a diverse range of craft beers, reflecting the thriving craft beer scene in Illinois. Binnys has even collaborated with breweries to create exclusive beer offerings, such as the Revolution Caramel Crisp collaboration with Garrett Popcorn.

In addition to its beer selection, Binnys also boasts an extensive wine and spirits collection. From wines sourced from various regions to a wide array of liquors, Binnys caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. The store's slogan, "If you can't find it at Binny's, it's probably not worth drinking," emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their beverage offerings.

Binnys has established itself as a prominent player in Illinois' alcoholic beverage market, providing a one-stop shop for all beverage needs. With its combination of convenience, selection, and competitive pricing, Binnys has earned a loyal following among Illinois residents.

Alcohol is available in grocery stores in Illinois

Alcohol laws vary across the United States, with some states allowing private liquor stores to set their own prices, and others having state-run liquor stores with set prices. Illinois is an "open state", meaning that private entities handle the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, but they are still regulated by state legislators.

Illinois is one of the few states that allow the sale of alcohol, including spirits, in grocery stores. This means that liquor is more widely available compared to many other states, and it provides an extra range of options for suppliers to get their products on local shelves.

The availability of alcohol in grocery stores in Illinois will vary depending on the town, city, or village. Each location has its own rules and issues liquor licenses accordingly. While some areas may allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores, others may restrict sales to certain days or times, or only allow alcohol to be sold in liquor stores.

For example, in some areas, alcohol sales are restricted on Sundays before noon, or alcohol cannot be purchased at a grocery store but can be bought at a gas station. In general, grocery stores usually sell alcohol between 8 am and 10 pm, no matter the location.

In addition to grocery stores, Illinois is also home to several large liquor stores, such as Binny's, Friar Tuck, and Randall's, which offer a wide selection of craft beer, wine, and liquor. These stores are often described as having an "insane selection" that can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Overall, the availability of alcohol in Illinois grocery stores provides consumers with convenient access to a range of alcoholic beverages and offers suppliers increased opportunities to reach local markets.

Illinois has a thriving craft beer scene

Illinois is one of the few states that allow the sale of alcohol, including spirits, in grocery stores, making liquor more widely available and providing a broader range of options for suppliers. As of 2022, there were over 130 licensed distillers and bottlers, more than 300 active breweries, and 165 wineries in the state.

Chicago, in particular, is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a diverse range of breweries, beer bars, and bottle shops. The city's annual Union Station festival, Beer Under Glass, showcases the state's craft beer scene, featuring over 100 Illinois breweries and offering guided tours and tastings of locally brewed beers.

Some notable craft beers from Illinois include:

• Revolution Fist City, an American pale ale
• Half Acre Daisy Cutter, an American pale ale
• Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, an imperial stout
• Three Floyds Zombie Dust, an American pale ale
• Off Color Apex Predator, a farmhouse ale
• Moody Tongue Sliced Nectarine IPA, an American IPA
• Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn, a double IPA
• Flossmoor Station Pullman Brown, a brown ale
• Marz Yuzu Bubbly Creek, a Berliner Weisse

Illinois' craft beer scene is ever-evolving, with new breweries, taprooms, and beer styles emerging regularly, making it an exciting destination for beer enthusiasts.

The legal drinking age in Illinois is 21

In Illinois, the legal drinking age is 21. This means that only adults aged 21 or older are permitted to purchase or consume alcohol. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol in the state of Illinois. The penalty for doing so can result in a driver's license suspension and court supervision. Using a false ID to purchase alcohol is also a criminal offence.

The drinking laws in Illinois apply to both residents and visitors. It is important to note that not knowing the legal drinking age is not a valid excuse, and individuals under 21 are subject to legal consequences if they are found to be in possession of or consuming alcohol.

While the legal drinking age in Illinois is 21, there is a special rule that allows minors to consume alcohol in certain circumstances. Minors are permitted to drink alcohol in a private residence, but only when a parent or legal guardian is present. It is important to note that this rule only applies to the minor's own parents or guardians and not to other adults or caregivers.

The consequences of underage drinking in Illinois can be severe. For instance, drinking under the age of 21 is considered a Class A misdemeanour and can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and even a year in jail. Additionally, cities within Illinois may have their own specific laws regarding underage drinking, which can further complicate the matter.

Illinois also has strict laws regarding the sale and distribution of alcohol. It is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and the penalty for doing so can result in a fine and even jail time. The state also prohibits allowing underage drinking at private residences, with penalties including jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

Overall, while Illinois offers some flexibility for minors to consume alcohol under strict parental supervision, the legal drinking age of 21 is firmly enforced. The state takes underage drinking and the sale of alcohol to minors seriously, with penalties designed to deter such behaviour.

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