House Bill No. 5425, also known as Public Act No. 25-40, amends the regulations surrounding cafe permits for the sale of alcoholic liquor. The bill repeals the existing subsection (a) of section 30-22a and introduces new provisions effective July 1, 2025. Under the new law, cafe permit holders must keep food available for sale during most of their operating hours, but they can meet this requirement by allowing food deliveries from nearby vendors. The bill clarifies that there is no obligation to sell food with alcoholic beverages, nor will there be any enforced standards regarding the proportion of food and alcohol sales. Additionally, the bill permits the serving of alcoholic liquor in outside areas, with certain conditions regarding fencing and compliance with local regulations.

Significantly, the bill introduces a tiered fee structure for cafe permits, where the annual fee will be $2,000 for most holders. However, for prior holders of a tavern permit, the fee will start at $800 for the first year and increase incrementally, while a new provision allows railway operators to obtain a cafe permit for a reduced fee of $200. This change aims to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages in cafes and railways while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 30-1, 30-12, 30-38, 30-45, 30-53, 30-54
GL Joint Favorable: 30-1, 30-12, 30-38, 30-45, 30-53, 30-54
File No. 300: 30-1, 30-12, 30-38, 30-45, 30-53, 30-54