Substitute House Bill No. 5149, known as Public Act No. 24-85, introduces a new "cafe permit for wine, beer, and cider," which allows the retail sale of these beverages for on-premises consumption in cafes, as well as the sale of sealed containers of wine and draught beer for off-premises consumption, similar to package stores. The bill specifies that food must be available for the majority of the cafe's operating hours, which can be provided by outside vendors. It also permits customers to remove one unsealed bottle of wine from the premises under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill amends smoking regulations, prohibiting the use of electronic nicotine or cannabis delivery systems and vapor products in various public areas, with exceptions for certain locations such as public housing projects and tobacco bars.

The bill also addresses the sale of alcoholic liquor for off-premises consumption, allowing permit holders to sell sealed containers of liquor accompanied by food prepared on the premises, with specific hours and quantity limits. It permits package store permit holders to offer free samples and conduct educational classes, and it allows the sale of certain non-alcoholic items in package stores. The bill further clarifies the operation of juice bars within permit premises, outlines conditions for obtaining a temporary auction permit, and specifies storage regulations for alcoholic liquor. It introduces new permit categories, defines who is ineligible for permits, and amends the definition of "minor." The bill also updates the hours and conditions under which the sale, dispensing, and consumption of alcoholic liquor are lawful, including the introduction of a cafe permit for wine, beer, and cider. The act was approved on May 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 30-38, 30-45
File No. 76: 30-38, 30-45
Public Act No. 24-85: 30-38, 30-45