Wheaton To Vote On Amending Liquor Code To Include Alcohol-Infused Products

WHEATON, IL — The Wheaton City Council will vote Monday on an amendment that would change its liquor license code to include alcohol-infused items. The proposed amendment comes after a statewide law regarding alcohol-infused products.

The proposed amendment applies to items that have more than .5 percent alcohol by volume, including alcohol-infused whipped cream, popsicles and gelatin.

The amendment was reviewed by Wheaton's liquor commission on Aug. 13 and was unanimously recommended for approval.

The proposed amendment would also require a liquor license for all managers who sell products infused with alcohol, according to meeting documents.

Other changes that align with the state law include prohibiting alcohol-infused products from being displayed "immediately adjacent" to similar products containing no alcohol, such as sodas or candies that may be marketed to children.

Exceptions can be made for licensees whose retail space is less than 2,500 square feet.

If such a display is near items that could be marketed to children, it must include signage of at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches that reads, "THIS PRODUCT lS AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AVAILABLE ONLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE 21 YEARS
OF AGE OR OLDER."

The proposed liquor license amendment also adds a $100 fee for late license renewal.

Monday's city council meeting will convene at 7 p.m. at Wheaton City Hall.