Illinois ruling halts alcohol being placed near same brand soft drinks 

An Illinois state rule is set to stop stores from placing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of the same brand right next to each other.

According to reports via CBS 2, the state’s emergency rule is now in place to stop brands in the refrigerators at liquor or convenience stores such as Jack Daniel’s mixed with Coca-Cola being confused with a non-alcoholic soda.

The decision, which heard that the state also raised concern with an advertisement posted on a store refrigerator case reading: “Hey Mom! We’re out of… SunnyD. Pick some up!!” despite the advert reportedly being placed near SunnyD Vodka Seltzer.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission told reporters that this was just one example of confusing the placement of “co-branded products” that warranted action.

Illinois Liquor Control Commission executive director Lisa Gardner explained: “In some situations, in some instances, these co-branded products have nearly identical markings as the non-alcoholic products, so it’s creating a lot of confusion in the marketplace.” 

While making her case for the new ruling, Gardner is said to have supplied a photograph that illustrated other examples that could cause confusion such as Topo Chico mineral water being placed near Topo Chico Tequila and Lime, Arnold Palmer Half & Half Iced Tea and Lemonade being placed near Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half Iced Tea and Lemonade as well as Jarritos Soda being placed near Jarritos’ Canta Rios Hard Soda.