*** ACTION ALERT ***
In response to news that Bell's Beer will soon not be available in Chicago, beer activists are convening a summit Tuesday night, October 17, 9pm at Weegee’s Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage (773-384-0707) to draft a response.
In a city known for bland lagers, Bell ’s has been providing Chicagoans with assertively hopped ales for more than a decade. Chicago lost Wisconsin ’s New Glarus beer a few years ago-- the further loss of Bell's will be a harsh blow to area drinkers.
Bell’s withdrawal appears to be the result of an industry squabble. Bell's Illinois distributor, Union Beverage, sold the distribution rights to the Bell ’s, creating an uproar that is leading to their Chicago pullout. Unsatisfied with the new deal, it looks as though Bell 's will leave Illinois for a year to gain back their freedom to choose a different distributor. The Illinois Beer Industry Fair Dealing Act of 1999, (also known as the Wirtz Law for its champion, Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz) strengthened distributors' rights and is partly to blame for Bell 's exit.
Tuesday’s Chicago beer activist summit is being convened by the Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society—a local community group dedicated to securingimproved public beer drinking facilities and amenities.