HB3237 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 07830 RPS 27965 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB3237

Introduced , by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

235 ILCS 5/6-5	from Ch. 43, par. 122
235 ILCS 5/6-6	from Ch. 43, par. 123

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. In provisions that prohibit liquor distributors and manufacturers from giving, and retail licensees from receiving, anything of value, provides that a manufacturer, distributor or importing distributor may furnish free social media advertising to a person having a retail license if the social media advertisement does not contain the retail price of any alcoholic liquor. Defines "social media". Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning liquor.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Liquor Control Act of 1934 is amended by changing Sections 6-5 and 6-6 as follows:

(235 ILCS 5/6-5) (from Ch. 43, par. 122)

Sec. 6-5. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, it is unlawful for any person having a retailer's license or any officer, associate, member, representative or agent of such licensee to accept, receive or borrow money, or anything else of value, or accept or receive credit (other than merchandising credit in the ordinary course of business for a period not to exceed 30 days) directly or indirectly from any manufacturer, importing distributor or distributor of alcoholic liquor, or from any person connected with or in any way representing, or from any member of the family of, such manufacturer, importing distributor, distributor or wholesaler, or from any stockholders in any corporation engaged in manufacturing, distributing or wholesaling of such liquor, or from any officer, manager, agent or representative of said manufacturer. Except as provided below, it is unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor or importing distributor to give or lend money or anything of value, or otherwise loan or extend credit (except such merchandising credit) directly or indirectly to any retail licensee or to the manager, representative, agent, officer or director of such licensee. A manufacturer, distributor or importing distributor may furnish free advertising, posters, signs, brochures, hand-outs, or other promotional devices or materials to any unit of government owning or operating any auditorium, exhibition hall, recreation facility or other similar facility holding a retailer's license, provided that the primary purpose of such promotional devices or materials is to promote public events being held at such facility. A unit of government owning or operating such a facility holding a retailer's license may accept such promotional devices or materials designed primarily to promote public events held at the facility. No retail licensee delinquent beyond the 30 day period specified in this Section shall solicit, accept or receive credit, purchase or acquire alcoholic liquors, directly or indirectly from any other licensee, and no manufacturer, distributor or importing distributor shall knowingly grant or extend credit, sell, furnish or supply alcoholic liquors to any such delinquent retail licensee; provided that the purchase price of all beer sold to a retail licensee shall be paid by the retail licensee in cash on or before delivery of the beer, and unless the purchase price payable by a retail licensee for beer sold to him in returnable bottles shall expressly include a charge for the bottles and cases, the retail licensee shall, on or before delivery of such beer, pay the seller in cash a deposit in an amount not less than the deposit required to be paid by the distributor to the brewer; but where the brewer sells direct to the retailer, the deposit shall be an amount no less than that required by the brewer from his own distributors; and provided further, that in no instance shall this deposit be less than 50 cents for each case of beer in pint or smaller bottles and 60 cents for each case of beer in quart or half-gallon bottles; and provided further, that the purchase price of all beer sold to an importing distributor or distributor shall be paid by such importing distributor or distributor in cash on or before the 15th day (Sundays and holidays excepted) after delivery of such beer to such purchaser; and unless the purchase price payable by such importing distributor or distributor for beer sold in returnable bottles and cases shall expressly include a charge for the bottles and cases, such importing distributor or distributor shall, on or before the 15th day (Sundays and holidays excepted) after delivery of such beer to such purchaser, pay the seller in cash a required amount as a deposit to assure the return of such bottles and cases. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit any licensee from crediting or refunding to a purchaser the actual amount of money paid for bottles, cases, kegs or barrels returned by the purchaser to the seller or paid by the purchaser as a deposit on bottles, cases, kegs or barrels, when such containers or packages are returned to the seller. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit any manufacturer, importing distributor or distributor from extending usual and customary credit for alcoholic liquor sold to customers or purchasers who live in or maintain places of business outside of this State when such alcoholic liquor is actually transported and delivered to such points outside of this State.

A manufacturer, distributor, or importing distributor may furnish free social media advertising to a person having a retail license if the social media advertisement does not contain the retail price of any alcoholic liquor. For the purposes of this Section, "social media" means a service, platform, or site where users communicate with one another and share media, such as pictures, videos, music, and blogs, with other users free of charge.

No right of action shall exist for the collection of any claim based upon credit extended to a distributor, importing distributor or retail licensee contrary to the provisions of this Section.

Every manufacturer, importing distributor and distributor shall submit or cause to be submitted, to the State Commission, in triplicate, not later than Thursday of each calendar week, a verified written list of the names and respective addresses of each retail licensee purchasing spirits or wine from such manufacturer, importing distributor or distributor who, on the first business day of that calendar week, was delinquent beyond the above mentioned permissible merchandising credit period of 30 days; or, if such is the fact, a verified written statement that no retail licensee purchasing spirits or wine was then delinquent beyond such permissible merchandising credit period of 30 days.

Every manufacturer, importing distributor and distributor shall submit or cause to be submitted, to the State Commission, in triplicate, a verified written list of the names and respective addresses of each previously reported delinquent retail licensee who has cured such delinquency by payment, which list shall be submitted not later than the close of the second full business day following the day such delinquency was so cured.

Such written verified reports required to be submitted by this Section shall be posted by the State Commission in each of its offices in places available for public inspection not later than the day following receipt thereof by the Commission. The reports so posted shall constitute notice to every manufacturer, importing distributor and distributor of the information contained therein. Actual notice to manufacturers, importing distributors and distributors of the information contained in any such posted reports, however received, shall also constitute notice of such information.

The 30 day merchandising credit period allowed by this Section shall commence with the day immediately following the date of invoice and shall include all successive days including Sundays and holidays to and including the 30th successive day.

In addition to other methods allowed by law, payment by check during the period for which merchandising credit may be extended under the provisions of this Section shall be considered payment. All checks received in payment for alcoholic liquor shall be promptly deposited for collection. A post dated check or a check dishonored on presentation for payment shall not be deemed payment.

A retail licensee shall not be deemed to be delinquent in payment for any alleged sale to him of alcoholic liquor when there exists a bona fide dispute between such retailer and a manufacturer, importing distributor or distributor with respect to the amount of indebtedness existing because of such alleged sale.

A delinquent retail licensee who engages in the retail liquor business at 2 or more locations shall be deemed to be delinquent with respect to each such location.

The license of any person who violates any provision of this Section shall be subject to suspension or revocation in the manner provided by this Act.

If any part or provision of this Article or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined by its operation to the controversy in which it was mentioned and shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of this Article or the application thereof to any other person or circumstance and to this and the provisions of this Article are declared severable.

(Source: P.A. 83-762.)

(235 ILCS 5/6-6) (from Ch. 43, par. 123)

Sec. 6-6. Except as otherwise provided in this Act no manufacturer or distributor or importing distributor shall, directly or indirectly, sell, supply, furnish, give or pay for, or loan or lease, any furnishing, fixture or equipment on the premises of a place of business of another licensee authorized under this Act to sell alcoholic liquor at retail, either for consumption on or off the premises, nor shall he or she, directly or indirectly, pay for any such license, or advance, furnish, lend or give money for payment of such license, or purchase or become the owner of any note, mortgage, or other evidence of indebtedness of such licensee or any form of security therefor, nor shall such manufacturer, or distributor, or importing distributor, directly or indirectly, be interested in the ownership, conduct or operation of the business of any licensee authorized to sell alcoholic liquor at retail, nor shall any manufacturer, or distributor, or importing distributor be interested directly or indirectly or as owner or part owner of said premises or as lessee or lessor thereof, in any premises upon which alcoholic liquor is sold at retail.

No manufacturer or distributor or importing distributor shall, directly or indirectly or through a subsidiary or affiliate, or by any officer, director or firm of such manufacturer, distributor or importing distributor, furnish, give, lend or rent, install, repair or maintain, to or for any retail licensee in this State, any signs or inside advertising materials except as provided in this Section and Section 6-5. With respect to retail licensees, other than any government owned or operated auditorium, exhibition hall, recreation facility or other similar facility holding a retailer's license as described in Section 6-5, a manufacturer, distributor, or importing distributor may furnish, give, lend or rent and erect, install, repair and maintain to or for any retail licensee, for use at any one time in or about or in connection with a retail establishment on which the products of the manufacturer, distributor or importing distributor are sold, the following signs and inside advertising materials as authorized in subparts (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv):

(i) Permanent outside signs shall be limited to one outside sign, per brand, in place and in use at any one time, costing not more than $893, exclusive of erection, installation, repair and maintenance costs, and permit fees and shall bear only the manufacturer's name, brand name, trade name, slogans, markings, trademark, or other symbols commonly associated with and generally used in identifying the product including, but not limited to, "cold beer", "on tap", "carry out", and "packaged liquor".

(ii) Temporary outside signs shall be limited to one temporary outside sign per brand. Examples of temporary outside signs are banners, flags, pennants, streamers, and other items of a temporary and non-permanent nature. Each temporary outside sign must include the manufacturer's name, brand name, trade name, slogans, markings, trademark, or other symbol commonly associated with and generally used in identifying the product. Temporary outside signs may also include, for example, the product, price, packaging, date or dates of a promotion and an announcement of a retail licensee's specific sponsored event, if the temporary outside sign is intended to promote a product, and provided that the announcement of the retail licensee's event and the product promotion are held simultaneously. However, temporary outside signs may not include names, slogans, markings, or logos that relate to the retailer. Nothing in this subpart (ii) shall prohibit a distributor or importing distributor from bearing the cost of creating or printing a temporary outside sign for the retail licensee's specific sponsored event or from bearing the cost of creating or printing a temporary sign for a retail licensee containing, for example, community goodwill expressions, regional sporting event announcements, or seasonal messages, provided that the primary purpose of the temporary outside sign is to highlight, promote, or advertise the product. In addition, temporary outside signs provided by the manufacturer to the distributor or importing distributor may also include, for example, subject to the limitations of this Section, preprinted community goodwill expressions, sporting event announcements, seasonal messages, and manufacturer promotional announcements. However, a distributor or importing distributor shall not bear the cost of such manufacturer preprinted signs.

(iii) Permanent inside signs, whether visible from the outside or the inside of the premises, include, but are not limited to: alcohol lists and menus that may include names, slogans, markings, or logos that relate to the retailer; neons; illuminated signs; clocks; table lamps; mirrors; tap handles; decalcomanias; window painting; and window trim. All permanent inside signs in place and in use at any one time shall cost in the aggregate not more than $2000 per manufacturer. A permanent inside sign must include the manufacturer's name, brand name, trade name, slogans, markings, trademark, or other symbol commonly associated with and generally used in identifying the product. However, permanent inside signs may not include names, slogans, markings, or logos that relate to the retailer. For the purpose of this subpart (iii), all permanent inside signs may be displayed in an adjacent courtyard or patio commonly referred to as a "beer garden" that is a part of the retailer's licensed premises.

(iv) Temporary inside signs shall include, but are not limited to, lighted chalk boards, acrylic table tent beverage or hors d'oeuvre list holders, banners, flags, pennants, streamers, and inside advertising materials such as posters, placards, bowling sheets, table tents, inserts for acrylic table tent beverage or hors d'oeuvre list holders, sports schedules, or similar printed or illustrated materials; however, such items, for example, as coasters, trays, napkins, glassware and cups shall not be deemed to be inside signs or advertising materials and may only be sold to retailers. All temporary inside signs and inside advertising materials in place and in use at any one time shall cost in the aggregate not more than $325 per manufacturer. Nothing in this subpart (iv) prohibits a distributor or importing distributor from paying the cost of printing or creating any temporary inside banner or inserts for acrylic table tent beverage or hors d'oeuvre list holders for a retail licensee, provided that the primary purpose for the banner or insert is to highlight, promote, or advertise the product. For the purpose of this subpart (iv), all temporary inside signs and inside advertising materials may be displayed in an adjacent courtyard or patio commonly referred to as a "beer garden" that is a part of the retailer's licensed premises.

A "cost adjustment factor" shall be used to periodically update the dollar limitations prescribed in subparts (i), (iii), and (iv). The Commission shall establish the adjusted dollar limitation on an annual basis beginning in January, 1997. The term "cost adjustment factor" means a percentage equal to the change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index or 5%, whichever is greater. The restrictions contained in this Section 6-6 do not apply to signs, or promotional or advertising materials furnished by manufacturers, distributors or importing distributors to a government owned or operated facility holding a retailer's license as described in Section 6-5.

No distributor or importing distributor shall directly or indirectly or through a subsidiary or affiliate, or by any officer, director or firm of such manufacturer, distributor or importing distributor, furnish, give, lend or rent, install, repair or maintain, to or for any retail licensee in this State, any signs or inside advertising materials described in subparts (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this Section except as the agent for or on behalf of a manufacturer, provided that the total cost of any signs and inside advertising materials including but not limited to labor, erection, installation and permit fees shall be paid by the manufacturer whose product or products said signs and inside advertising materials advertise and except as follows:

A distributor or importing distributor may purchase from or enter into a written agreement with a manufacturer or a manufacturer's designated supplier and such manufacturer or the manufacturer's designated supplier may sell or enter into an agreement to sell to a distributor or importing distributor permitted signs and advertising materials described in subparts (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this Section for the purpose of furnishing, giving, lending, renting, installing, repairing, or maintaining such signs or advertising materials to or for any retail licensee in this State. Any purchase by a distributor or importing distributor from a manufacturer or a manufacturer's designated supplier shall be voluntary and the manufacturer may not require the distributor or the importing distributor to purchase signs or advertising materials from the manufacturer or the manufacturer's designated supplier.

A distributor or importing distributor shall be deemed the owner of such signs or advertising materials purchased from a manufacturer or a manufacturer's designated supplier.

The provisions of Public Act 90-373 concerning signs or advertising materials delivered by a manufacturer to a distributor or importing distributor shall apply only to signs or advertising materials delivered on or after August 14, 1997.

A manufacturer, distributor, or importing distributor may furnish free social media advertising to a person having a retail license if the social media advertisement does not contain the retail price of any alcoholic liquor. For the purposes of this Section, "social media" means a service, platform, or site where users communicate with one another and share media, such as pictures, videos, music, and blogs, with other users free of charge.

No person engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing or distributing alcoholic liquors shall, directly or indirectly, pay for, or advance, furnish, or lend money for the payment of any license for another. Any licensee who shall permit or assent, or be a party in any way to any violation or infringement of the provisions of this Section shall be deemed guilty of a violation of this Act, and any money loaned contrary to a provision of this Act shall not be recovered back, or any note, mortgage or other evidence of indebtedness, or security, or any lease or contract obtained or made contrary to this Act shall be unenforceable and void.

This Section shall not apply to airplane licensees exercising powers provided in paragraph (i) of Section 5-1 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.