Happy Hour is Officially Legal in Illinois

We may not have a budget but at least we have happy hour.

OK, so maybe the politicians in Springfield don't quite have their priorities straight but at least this is a sign that they want the people of Illinois to be happy; or maybe it's just a ploy for all of us to forget about the fact that the state doesn't have a budget.

Look, it's the little things. No matter the reason, the fact that happy hour is now legal in Illinois should be a reason to grab your co-workers and celebrate with a cocktail.

Lawmakers officially passed The Culinary and Hospitality Modernization Act (SB 398) into law and Governor Rauner signed the bill this afternoon; officially marking the return of Happy Hour effective immediately. The law allows you to have access to discounted drinks for for up to 4 hours a day and up to 15 hours a week as long as they are promoted a week in advance.

There are some limitations, however. For example, there's no two-for-one deals, no all-you-can-drink, and happy hour can't go past 10 p.m. There is, of course, concern over binge drinking but many bar and restaurant owners are hoping it will attract more business.

Now, who's ready for a drink? (Remember to always drink responsibly and be sure to have a designated driver.)