Illinois Legislators Vote To Loosen On-Premise Regulations, Allow Happy Hours

The Illinois general assembly has passed legislation lifting state restrictions on on-premise happy hours. According to local reports, the Culinary and Hospitality Modernization Act, as the law is known, will take effect this summer pending the signature of Illinois governor Bruce Rauner.

The new legislation allows on-premise operators to offer discounts on beverage alcohol up to four hours a day or 15 hours a week, although some restrictions—including a ban on two-for-one deals and happy hour offers after 10 p.m.—would still apply. Since 1989, Illinois has prohibited happy hours but allowed “happy days” under which on-premise outlets could offer discounts on one day of the week. The new measure would also lift bans on house-infused spirits and programmed alcohol pairings with meals.

Illinois ranks among the top six U.S. states in consumption of spirits, wine and beer.

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