New Law Is Now In Effect for Alcohol-Infused Products in Illinois

A new Illinois law has gone into effect that brings stricter regulations to the sale and display of alcohol-infused products.

New Illinois Law Regulates Alcohol-Infused Products

Senate Bill 2625 went into law on January 1, 2025, which redefines alcoholic ice cream, whipped cream, popsicles, and gelatin-based treats as alcoholic beverages under the Illinois Liquor Control Act.

The law will prevent product confusion and ensure these items are not easily accessible to minors.

Separation Requirements for Retailers

The new Illinois law lays out clear guidelines on how alcohol-infused products must be displayed in retail stores.

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Businesses with more than 2500 square feet of sales space must physically separate alcohol-infused items from non-alcoholic products that appeal to children, like candy, juices, and soft drinks.

Smaller stores that cannot meet this requirement must display signage that shows products contain alcohol and can only be sold to those who are at least 21 years of age.

To avoid accidental purchases by minors, products that are alcohol-infused are forbidden to be "immediately adjacent" to non-alcoholic products with youth-oriented branding.

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The law defines "immediately adjacent" as products that directly touch or border each other from above, below, or the side. A separate aisle is considered an acceptable placement, however.

Public Health and Safety Concerns

Illinois Liquor Control Commission Executive Director highlighted the public safety benefits of the new law.

Mistaking alcoholic products for their non-alcoholic counterparts is especially dangerous for minors and individuals with alcohol use disorders. This law aims to safeguard Illinois public health by preventing product confusion while also prohibiting alcohol marketing that may appeal to children

Compliance and Resources for Businesses

Businesses must ensure all alcohol-infused product displays include clear signage, according to the press release.

Retailers can get the required signage from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission website or pick up printed copies at the Chicago office during business hours.

To ensure the law is being properly enforced, the State of Illinois will begin monitoring compliance.