New law may leave some seeing their glass half empty

SPRINGFIELD -- Some suburban wine connoisseurs may now have a more difficult time sipping out-of-state vintages.

A new state law that took effect Sunday limits the amount of wine someone can buy directly from a winery -- whether the winery is in Illinois, California or anywhere else -- to 12 cases a year.

The limit had been two cases per person per year.

That sounds like it makes it easier to buy more wine. And that's true.

But the new law also prohibits purchases from out-of-state wine shops, like wine clubs or online stores, and other retailers who don't have some kind of presence in Illinois. Wine enthusiasts had been able to order from out-of-state retailers for nearly 15 years.

Critics of the new law say such provisions will restrict what wines Illinoisans have access to and likely result in higher prices. Lawsuits are expected.

The new law could dampen the spirits of Eduard Garcia of Des Plaines. He and his wife have been buying out-of-state wine for the last decade.

"If we can't do it anymore, then we'll probably just call up there and order our wine (through) our friend in Wisconsin," Garcia said. "Illinois will probably lose out more because I'm not purchasing it here anymore."

The wine import-export law is in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said states must treat out-of-state and in-state wineries the same.

Supporters said Illinois could ultimately see more wine business if out-of-state wine retailers decide to set up shop in Illinois to avoid the proposed law's restrictions.

But in debating the law last year, some lawmakers said successful Illinois wineries would suffer as well and the new regulations would punish them for growing their business. Under the law, the largest Illinois wine producers would lose the ability to sell directly to restaurants and retailers and instead have to enter into agreements with distributors.

The new wine law was overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers last year and signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Other new laws

Here's a sampling of other laws that took effect Sunday:

• Bad dogs -- Dog lovers who don't even own the stereotypically violent pit bull, beware: your pup might be seen as "potentially dangerous" by the state.

Any dog can earn that bad rap if found unsupervised and running at large with three or more other dogs. They can rack up plenty of fines, from $200 for the first violation up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The dogs also will be required to be spayed or neutered and micro-chipped within two weeks of ticketing.

However, dogs actively engaged in legal hunting ventures or in supervised dog park play are exempt.

• Sexual predators -- Aggravated child pornography is a new offense recognized in Illinois. The harsher penalties for depictions and engaging in sexual or lewd acts involving children under age 13 include up to 30 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, along with forfeiture of property and profits.

• GED testing -- Teenagers who plan to take a high school equivalency testing program no longer have to be age 18. Now all 17-year-old Illinois residents can be found eligible to get their GEDs.

Previously, 17-year-old expectant mothers and fathers, as well as active duty military personnel, were some of the only candidates under age 18 allowed to take the test.

Teens also no longer need to provide two pieces of mail as proof of residence, just a government-issued photo ID.

• "Alcopop" -- A fruity malt beverage or wine drink allegedly geared toward teens is now termed "alcopop."

Advertising alcopops to children, such as by using cartoons, sponsoring youth-friendly athletic events or having billboards within 500 feet of schools, churches and parks, is now illegal. Displays of such beverages, like hard lemonade or alcoholic energy drinks, in a video game or live performance with a child audience also is prohibited.

Fines include $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for a second offense.