Illinois legislators will vote as early as next week on a new House Bill that would restore wine consumers’ rights to purchase out of state wines and have them shipped into the state.
House Bill 2462, introduced by State Representative Julie Hamos, a Democrat, of Evanston would overturn House Bill 429 passed last year, which prevented out of state wineries from shipping directly into Illinois.
‘I think it’s going to be hard for it to pass,’ Hamos said. ‘I think it’s an uphill battle and wine consumers in Illinois need to contact their representatives and speak out to beat back the special interests in this state.’
Hamos said that various lobbying groups in the state would fight to prevent the passage of the bill and keep out of state wine out of Illinois.
‘To deny consumers the right to purchase what they want makes no sense. It’s un-American.’
The Specialty Wine Retailers Association, which supports the new bill, estimates that Illinois could see US$1m in new tax revenues if the new bill passes. The bill also provides protection for minors by making adult signatures mandatory on any wine shipment.
Written by Mark Storer
