Wheaton To Consider Amending Liquor Code To Include Alcohol-Infused Products

WHEATON, IL — The Wheaton Liquor Commission will consider amendments Thursday that would change its liquor license code to include alcohol-infused items. The proposed amendment comes after a statewide law regarding alcohol-infused products.

The proposed amendment would apply to items that have more than .5 percent alcohol by volume. This includes products such as alcohol-infused whipped cream, gelatin and popsicles.

Along with adding alcohol-infused products to the liquor code definitions, the amendment would also require a liquor license for all managers, not just liquor managers, who sell products infused with alcohol.

Other changes that align with the state law include provisions that prohibit alcohol-infused products from being displayed "immediately adjacent" to similar products that do not contain alcohol. These include sodas, candies or other items that may be marketed to children.

Exceptions can be made for licensees whose retail space is less than 2,500 square feet.

If such a display is near items that could be marketed to children, it must include signage of at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches that reads, "THIS PRODUCT lS AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AVAILABLE ONLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE 21 YEARS
OF AGE OR OLDER."

The proposed liquor license amendment also adds a $100 fee for late license renewal.

The liquor commission meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Wheaton City Hall.