SB1855 Summary

• Prohibits beer manufacturers and their related business entities from having any ownership interest, directly or indirectly, in distributors or importing distributors under Illinois liquor licensing.

• Prohibits distributors and importing distributors from having any ownership interest in beer manufacturers, with a narrow exception for ownership of no more than 5% of publicly traded manufacturer shares.

• Requires the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to notify all licensed beer manufacturers, brewers, and non-resident dealers within 30 days of the law's effective date and allow them 30 days to disclose any prohibited interests in distributors.

• Grants beer manufacturers, brewers, and distributors an initial period to divest prohibited interests, with the Commission authorized to extend this period up to 24 months for good cause.

• Establishes license revocation as the penalty for failing to divest prohibited interests within agreed timeframes, enforcing the state's 3-tier regulatory system separating manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.