Blagojevich signs measure covering wine purchases

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SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a measure into law Wednesday that will change how wineries throughout the state can peddle their wares. The legislation, which was passed on Aug. 7 and takes effect June 1, 2008, could benefit area businesses, such as Waterman Winery and Vineyards and Prairie State Winery in Genoa. The law broadens the number of wineries from which Illinois consumers can buy directly and improves the variety of specialty wines consumers can find in stores and restaurants. Under existing laws, out-of-state wineries can't sell more than two cases of wine per year to any Illinois consumer. But the new law establishes a 12-case limit on all wineries and does away with a rule requiring Illinois to have a special agreement with states to sell cases. The measure also lets small wineries directly supply eateries and liquor stores with wine without making them go through licensed alcohol distributors. Out-of-state wineries have been barred from directly distributing to retailers, whereas in-state wineries were able to distribute a certain amount, based on their size. The changes will bring Illinois into compliance with a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring states to treat in-state and out-of-state wineries the same. State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, and state Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley, both voted in favor of the measure. The bill is HB429 On the Net: www.ilga.gov