HB5504 Summary

• Creates a new "Class 3 Craft Distiller" license allowing manufacture of up to 100,000 gallons of spirits per year with sales authority to retail licensees, class 3 brewers, and other class 3 craft distillers under specified conditions.

• Establishes a "Spirits Showcase Permit" allowing Illinois-licensed distributors and class 3 craft distillers to transfer spirits inventory to designated event premises and sell for on-premises or off-premises consumption (limited to 156 fluid ounces per person).

• Increases the distilling pub license manufacturing limit from 5,000 gallons to 10,000 gallons of spirits per year while maintaining off-premises sales restrictions to retail licensees.

• Adds new self-distribution exemption provisions for class 3 craft distillers manufacturing less than 100,000 gallons annually, allowing sales of up to 5,000 gallons to retail licensees and other distillers.

• Establishes licensing fee for class 3 craft distiller at $175 for online renewal and $200 for initial/non-online renewal.