Judge suspends law protecting liquor distribs.

Associated Press--A federal judge in Chicago has suspended the Illinois state law that protects liquor distributors from losing business.

The 1999 legislation known as the "Wirtz law" has been blamed for recent increases in wine and liquor prices.

U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall issued the preliminary injunction Monday and scheduled a hearing for Friday to work out the final details of the injunction, which was sought by three large wine suppliers.

Liquor prices in Illinois have risen $1 to $2 per bottle since the law was passed last spring, and further prices increases were expected this week.

The chief proponent of the law, Chicago Blackhawks owner William Wirtz, hired an army of lobbyists, including former Gov. James R. Thompson, to push it through the Legislature.

Wirtz owns Judge & Dolph, one of the state's largest liquor distributors. He presented the law, which makes it nearly impossible for beverage makers to fire his company or other distributors, as a way to save Illinois jobs.

The three wineries that filed the lawsuit contend it is state-sanctioned protectionism.

Gottschall said the winemakers had a "strong likelihood of success" in their attempt to overturn the law.

Kevin Russell, an attorney for Kendall-Jackson Winery, which was joined by Jim Beam Brands and Sutter Home Winery in the lawsuit, called the ruling a victory for consumers.

But Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, one of the bill's sponsors, accused the judge of trying to impose her will over that of elected officials.

Paul Jenkins of the Wine and Spirit Distributors of Illinois said, "This judge is basically destroying Illinois' constitutional right to regulate distribution of alcohol. It is a slap in the face of every Illinois lawmaker."

Wirtz's lawyer, Jeremiah Marsh, said he would appeal if the law is overturned.