January 4, 2007

Alcohol Action Alert

The Legislature will reconvene for the Veto Session on January 7-9. The House will vote on SB 948 to legalize "bottle service"--selling a whole bottle of distilled spirits to a table or group of 2 or more people. There are 17 drinks in a Fifth of distilled spirits, 21 drinks in a quart bottle, and 22 drinks in a one Liter bottle. SB 948 will encourage binge drinking, alcohol abuse, underage drinking, and drinking and driving. The Senate passed SB 948 in November!

The House and Senate both passed SB 505 to allow franchise restaurants in Chicago to move 15 to 20 percent closer to a school or church. SB 505 was sent to the Governor, but he has not signed the legislation into law. Calls are needed to ask him to VETO SB 505.

For Immediate Action

Call your Representative TODAY (217-782-2000) and ask him/her to VOTE NO on SB 948. This legislation applies to liquor licenses statewide, not just to a few high-end clubs in Chicago. Public health and safety will be jeopardized by legalizing "bottle service" and allowing the over consumption of distilled spirits.
Call the Governor (800-642-3112) and ask him to VETO SB 505 to allow franchise restaurants in Chicago to move 15 to 20 percent closer to a school or church. SB 505 is a "foot in the door" that could later be used to change the 100 foot law for churches and schools statewide. SB 505 also contains special legislation to allow one restaurant to sell alcohol closer than 100 feet of an elementary school, which the Governor amendatorily vetoed in July.
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