Organized in 1880, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) is the oldest business trade association in the country dedicated to promoting and protecting the retail businesses that sell or serve beverage alcohol. Over 2,500 Illinois retail liquor businesses (on and off-premise)  belong to the ILBA, a not-for-profit corporation.  Members include: taverns, restaurants, fraternal clubs, package stores, bowling centers, golf courses, hotels, gas stations, convenience stores & grocery stores.

The ILBA aggressively lobbies the Illinois General Assembly, the Illinois Liquor Control            Commission, the Governor, Secretary of State and all statewide elected officials to promote and protect the retail liquor industry.  In coordination with the American Beverage Licensees (National Trade Association) the ILBA lobbies the Illinois Congressional Delegation.  Jim McPike, former majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, and Jack Dorgan, former Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, serve as ILBA's lobbyists.