Illinois Lawmakers Crack Down on Unlicensed E-Commerce Wine Shipments

The legislation represents the alcohol industry's attempt to protect the so-called three-tier system against unlicensed wine shippers sending booze to Illinois customers and merchants illegally bringing alcohol across state borders without paying taxes.

The Chicago Tribune
When you buy a six-pack or a bottle of wine or tequila at a store in Illinois, you're participating in the three-tier system in its most traditional format. A wholesaler sold that alcohol to the store after buying it from the manufacturer.
When you buy a six-pack or a bottle of wine or tequila at a store in Illinois, you're participating in the three-tier system in its most traditional format. A wholesaler sold that alcohol to the store after buying it from the manufacturer.

An Illinois bill seeks to toughen oversight and enforcement of transportation of alcohol into Illinois, according to The Chicago Tribune. Senate Bill 2989, sponsored by state Sen. James Clayborne, D-East Saint Louis, is awaiting Gov. Bruce Rauner's signature after passing through the state House and Senate. Backed by the alcohol wholesalers lobby, the legislation represents the alcohol industry's attempt to protect the so-called three-tier system against unlicensed wine shippers sending booze to Illinois customers and merchants illegally bringing alcohol across state borders without paying taxes.

"Licensed wineries that have the ability to ship into the market — they're following the law. Why is another winery able to not license themselves and ship in? It's really about making sure we're able to cover the laws that are in place and making sure everyone's following the rules properly," said Danny Wirtz, vice chair of Breakthru Beverage Group, the alcohol distributor company formed in January when Wirtz Beverage Group merged with New York-based Charmer Sunbelt.

When you buy a six-pack or a bottle of wine or tequila at a store in Illinois, you're participating in the three-tier system in its most traditional format. A wholesaler sold that alcohol to the store after buying it from the manufacturer.

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