Liquor

New Sports Park Opens in Springfield, Posing a Hefty Financial Dilemma for Local Brewery Amidst Illinois Liquor Law Constraints

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Springfield, Illinois – A new sports park on the horizon in Springfield could potentially cause a significant economic impact on a local brewery due to restrictive state liquor laws. Brent Schwoerer, the owner of Engrained Brewery, faces a challenging decision that might force him to halt beer deliveries to multiple distribution partners in Sangamon County, a move that could cost his business between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Schwoerer, navigating the complexities of being a small business owner in the competitive brewery industry, emphasizes the desire for a more supportive environment for business growth in Illinois. … Read more

Geneva Reconsiders Ban on Liquor License Holders Serving in City Council Amid Broader Debate on Civic Engagement and Conflict of Interest

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Geneva, IL — A contentious debate is unfolding in Geneva, a suburb in Illinois, where questions about the eligibility of liquor license holders to serve on the city council have ignited discussions on governance and conflicts of interest. This issue, which has ramifications for similar towns across the state, stems from concerns that those who own establishments serving alcohol may face conflicts when influencing local liquor laws. Mike Bruno, a Geneva city council member, has expressed discomfort with allowing those who hold liquor licenses to decide on the fate of such licenses for others. Bruno, … Read more

New Colorado Legislation Bans Liquor Sales in Grocery Stores with Pharmacies: Balancing Consumer Choice and Local Business Interests

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DENVER, Colo. — Colorado is witnessing a shift in its liquor licensing laws following Governor Jared Polis’s recent endorsement of Senate Bill 25-033. This legislation prohibits grocery stores with pharmacies from receiving liquor licenses, marking a significant change that will not affect existing establishments but will prevent any future grocery stores from selling hard liquor. Local business owners have felt the winds of change sweep through the state’s liquor market, especially with the enactment of prior propositions that expanded liquor sales to bigger retail stores. Josh Robinson, who runs Argonaut Wine and Liquor in Denver, … Read more

Jury Trial Scheduled in Lyon County for Major Identity Theft and Conspiracy Involving Multiple Liquor Stores

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Emporia, KS — The legal proceedings for a high-profile identity theft and conspiracy case in Lyon County are advancing, as jury trials for Demetrius Odom, a 30-year-old from Decatur, Georgia, have been scheduled. The potential start dates for the trial are February 18, March 3, or March 31, following a recent pretrial hearing. Odom faces several charges stemming from a string of alleged thefts from liquor stores across Kansas in 2023, including four in Emporia. The stores involved are Carlos Liquor, Emporia Liquor & Wine, Liquor Locker, and The Liquor Store. In total, Odom is … Read more