(235 ILCS 5/6-24a) (from Ch. 43, par. 139a)

Sec. 6-24a. Display of birth defects warning signs.

(a) The General Assembly finds that there is a need for public information about the risk of birth defects (specifically Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) when women consume alcoholic liquor during pregnancy. The United States Surgeon General has recommended abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. Since Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and fetal alcohol effects are preventable, the General Assembly finds that it is in the public interest to provide warning about the risk of alcohol-related birth defects at places where alcoholic liquors are sold.

(b) Every holder of a retail license, whether the licensee sells or offers for sale alcoholic liquors for use or consumption on or off the retail license premises, shall cause a sign with the message "GOVERNMENT WARNING: ACCORDING TO THE SURGEON GENERAL, WOMEN SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING PREGNANCY BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE OF ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (OASA) AT 1-800-843-6154." to be framed and hung in plain view. These signs shall be no larger than 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.

(c) In the event there is no warning sign posted on the retailer's premises, it shall be the responsibility of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to furnish the retailer with a warning sign. The retailer shall have 30 days from receipt of the warning sign to post it on the licensed premises. Thereafter, a retailer who violates this Section is subject to a written warning for the first violation. For a second or subsequent violation, the retailer shall pay a fine of at least $20 but not more than $100 for each such violation. For the third and subsequent violations, each day the activity continues shall be a separate violation.

(Source: P.A. 96-387, eff. 1-1-10.)