HB1019
Liquor sales in Illinois are circling the drain. People are drinking less, and worse (for them), they’re switching to hemp, THC, and infused drinks that Big Booze doesn’t control. Instead of adapting, the liquor industry is throwing a tantrum and trying to drag not just hemp drinks under alcohol laws to protect their bottom line.
And that brings us to HB1019, which, at first glance, looks like a simple “lower the drinking age to 18 (with parental supervision)” bill. But dig deeper, and it’s sneakier than a politician’s tax write-offs.
This bill doesn’t just lower the drinking age, it rewires gaming laws, expands liquor profits, and shields bars from liability when things go sideways.
• Alcohol Play: Expands their customer base by letting 18-year-olds drink in bars as long as Mommy or Daddy is there. Because nothing says “responsible drinking” like a college freshman taking tequila shots next to their dad eating mozzarella sticks.
• Gaming Play: Conveniently aligns with video gaming laws so more young adults get comfortable with booze and flashing slot machines because that’s a great long-term investment.
• Liability Play: Updates the Innkeeper Protection Act, reducing risks for bars if an “adult-supervised” 18-year-old gets wrecked and something happens. Spoiler: They’re not looking out for kids they’re covering their own asses.
Here’s the real kicker: Compare this bill or many like this to the politicians who voted to raise the legal age for hemp to 21.
• If they think an 18-year-old can drink alcohol but must be 21 to consume hemp, they just told you who owns them.
• This isn’t about “freedom.” It’s about liquor lobbyists protecting their turf while making sure hemp doesn’t steal their customers.
• They don’t want competition, they want control.
Every vote for HB1019 should be cross-checked with votes on hemp regulations. If they push lower drinking ages for liquor but higher for hemp, they just put their price tag on display.
It’s like NASCAR just follow the sponsorship stickers.
104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB1019 by Rep. John M. Cabello
Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gruHzaQP
F'nAround, reading the fine print so you realize what benefits them.