IL self distribution laws

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by flanneltrees804, Mar 13, 2012.

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  1. flanneltrees804

    flanneltrees804 Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2010 Illinois

    I have been trying to read more on the subject but I get lost in all of the legal jargon... From what I gather, any craft brewer in Illinois can self distribute up to 7,500 bbl annually to retailers and taverns/bars. Am I missing anything? Can a bar call up Two Brothers and have them bring in kegs of beer to put on tap without going through a distributor or does the "craft brewer" have to have small production? Are there any Illinois brewers that are taking advantage of this and only selling direct?

    Sorry for the barrage of questions, I've just been reading about it for a few days and wondering how people are reacting to this, whether good or bad. I would love to see more brewers self distribute as they could seemingly make a lot more money but they also wouldn't have the advertising and clout that might come with going through a distributor. Thoughts?
     
    #1 flanneltrees804, Mar 13, 2012
  2. 2378GCGTG

    2378GCGTG Initiate (0) Dec 7, 2011 Texas

    My guess, (based on what the little I know about Ohio and Texas laws) is that it's not legal to circumvent the distributor, as this supplies a tax on alcohol to the state. That is purely a mildly informed guess, take it as you will. That said I know you can distribute your stuff as long as you're not making a profit to friends and family etc... (though in Texas if you home brew within like 500 yards of a church you can't do that). I'm also fairly certain it is legal to sell your stuff to a distributor who can sell your stuff to a bar, though there is a limit on how much you can sell before you need licensing and permits. Sorry to be vague, my knowledge is cursory as well. Hope I was at least some help.
     
    #2 2378GCGTG, Mar 13, 2012
  3. LadyOfMuchBeer

    LadyOfMuchBeer Initiate (0) Apr 30, 2011 Texas

    Neither TX or Ohio law would probably apply here. Liquor laws are generally state issued.
     
    #3 LadyOfMuchBeer, Mar 13, 2012
  4. jesskidden

    jesskidden Grand Pooh-Bah (3,145) Aug 10, 2005 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    More than half the states (including Ohio and Texas) allow some form of brewery self-distribution - it's sometimes limited (as noted in the OP) to breweries of a certain size.

    Self-Distribution Laws

    Illinois' S-D laws have recently changed and the link might not be up to date in that case.
     
    #4 jesskidden, Mar 13, 2012
  5. FlssmrBrewAlum

    FlssmrBrewAlum Initiate (0) Feb 25, 2009 Illinois

    Pipeworks is a perfect example of a brewery that is able to hit the ground running due to the changes last year that ICBG fought for.

    They are currently self distributing all of their beer.
     
    #5 FlssmrBrewAlum, Mar 13, 2012
  6. flanneltrees804

    flanneltrees804 Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2010 Illinois

    I was wondering if Pipeworks was doing this... who else has taken of advantage of this?
     
    #6 flanneltrees804, Mar 13, 2012
  7. match1112

    match1112 Initiate (0) Mar 2, 2011 Illinois

    Rolling meadows self distributes right after they hand bottle everything. Makes for fresh beer.
     
    #7 match1112, Mar 14, 2012
  8. Pipeworks

    Pipeworks Initiate (0) May 28, 2009 Illinois

    In Illinois you can self distribute but you are still required to obtain another license designating your company as self distributing. The required 'Craft Brewers License' only costs $25 but it takes two months to process and you must attempt to find a distributor and/or prove that a distributor is not financially feasible for you.
     
    #8 Pipeworks, Mar 14, 2012
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