A Practice Note providing guidance for parties considering entering the alcohol beverage business in Illinois, particularly at the retail level. This Note provides an overview of the regulatory structure for the manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale of alcohol beverages in Illinois; Illinois' three-tier system including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers; the control versus non-control models states use to regulate alcohol beverages; Illinois' tied-house rules including issues and exceptions; Illinois' licensing process including types of licenses, qualification and disclosure requirements, ongoing maintenance requirements, and license transfers; and an overview of advertising and marketing for alcohol beverages in Illinois and at the federal level.