SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Donne E. Trotter (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of State Senate to allow smaller brewers to distribute their own products in Illinois, in limited qualities. Senate Bill 754 passed out of Senate on Tuesday with bi-partisan support.

"This legislation provides a needed change for smaller breweries," Senator Trotter said. "Since Prohibition in 1933 laws have not changed with regard to these businesses. Although making needed reforms is often difficult we should not penalize smaller breweries, keeping them from expanding and meeting consumer demands in their market."

Under this legislation small brewers are defined as those that manufacture a maximum of 465,000 gallons of beer annually to self distribute at a quantity not to exceed 232,500 gallons annually. With this provision Senate Bill 754 establishes a framework to help craft breweries to grow in Illinois while maintaining the state regulatory system.

The legislation also allows brew pubs, bars that brew their own beer and sell it on their premises, to own and operate a craft brewery out of a separate location.

Senate Bill 754 now awaits consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives.