Illinois May Block Chicago A-B Branch Deal

Dear Client:BBD has learned that the Illinois Liquor Control Commission ("LCC") is going to hold a public hearing at 9:30am today to hear arguments over the LCC's possible decision to deny A-B a license to distribute beer in Illinois. Recall that A-B is in the process of buying the remaining stake in City Beverage from Soave Enterprises, making it a wholly owned branch operation. The deal was just set to close when the state stepped in. Representatives from other brewers,