Pritzker signs ‘shot-and-a-beer’ law allowing bars to offer free drink to fully vaccinated

A bartender wearing a face covering serves customers their pints of beer inside a re-opened pub in London last month. | Niklas Halle’n/AFP via Getty Images

State residents who got their vaccine shot can now get a shot — or a beer or other alcoholic beverage of their choice — under a bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday signed into law.

Pritzker said the bill, which takes effect immediately, offers “our hardest-hit businesses another lifeline as we recover from the pandemic.”

“Not only will the vaccine protect you from getting sick — your free COVID-19 shot can now get you a free shot of your choosing or whatever drink suits your palate,” Pritzker said in a statement.

The bill would allow taverns across the state to enact a “shot-and-a-beer” reward for those who can prove they’ve been vaccinated.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a news conference in 2019.

State Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, argued a few days ago on the House floor the free-drink promotions were a way to “incentivize vaccinations at this point.”

The bill also extends a business’ ability to sell cocktails for pickup and delivery.

State Senate sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, said in a statement “cocktails-to-go is a lifeline to restaurants to survive the pandemic. Any tool we can provide to help keep this vibrant industry going while they are rebuilding is critical.”