SB0726 Summary

• Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to modify Section 6-11 regarding alcohol sales near churches, schools, and hospitals by adding numerous subsections (b) through (xx) that create specific exceptions to the 100-foot restriction.

• Establishes multiple detailed exemptions allowing retail liquor licenses within 100 feet of protected institutions for restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, theaters, and banquet facilities when specific geographic, structural, and approval conditions are met.

• Requires written support from religious leaders, school principals, aldermen, and other local officials for most exemptions to be granted.

• Creates special provisions for major municipalities with over 1,000,000 inhabitants, permitting licenses for national retail chains, restaurants, and grocery stores near schools and churches under precise distance and business operation requirements.

• Adds new subsection (xx) allowing wine shop licenses within 100 feet of churches in municipalities over 1,000,000 inhabitants when premises are less than 2,000 square feet, on different streets at least 100 feet apart, and with church leader approval.